Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni has said he is undergoing treatment for prostrate cancer in China.

The monarch’s medical experts are in the Asian country.

The 72-year-old constitutional monarch made the announcement in a Royal Message on Friday, informing the nation of his health status.

“I, the King, pay my respects to the Supreme Patriarchs of both orders and all monks, and inform the Royal Family and all compatriots that, following a very thorough and careful examination by the medical team at the hospital in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, it has been confirmed that I currently have prostate cancer,” Mr Sihamoni said.

Though the monarch did not mention the severity of the cancer, he said that his doctors asked him to stay back in Beijing for treatment for additional one or two months.

 “According to the doctors’ orders, I must ask for permission to remain here further. I am unable to return to the motherland at this time, as the doctors require me to stay in the hospital for treatment and to monitor my health for a period of one to two additional months,” Mr Sihamoni said.

Over two decades ago, King Norodom Sihanouk was also diagnosed of prostate cancer in 1993.

The former Cambodia monarch was also treated in China until he died in 2012 aged 89.