Royal Palace confirms sixth cancer procedure for King Albert II

Belgium's former King Albert II has received treatment for cancer for the sixth time in the past 11 years, the Belgian royal palace has conformed.

The 91-year-old monarch was recently seen in public bearing noticeable facial scarring, marking his first appearance in five months.

Photos published by Belgian news outlet Het Laatste Nieuws revealed a visible scar stretching from his nose to his upper lip, suggesting he had recently undergone surgery.

According to the palace, Albert underwent a preventive procedure related to skin cancer, although the exact date of the operation was not disclosed.

The photos were taken at a reception held in Brussels last week, marking a rare public outing for the former king. Medical experts cited in local media believe the repeated treatments for skin cancer may be linked to prolonged sun exposure during Albert's vacations in sunnier climates.

Over the past decade, the former monarch has received multiple cancer treatments. In 2023, he was hospitalised as a precaution after experiencing dehydration, adding to a series of ongoing health concerns.

His latest appearance clearly showed the effects of his most recent medical procedure, with the surgical scar prominently visible. While the precise timing of the surgery remains unknown, the palace emphasised that the intervention was a preventive measure against skin cancer.