King Charles III of Britain has expressed his gratitude to the public for their overwhelming support following his recent announcement of being diagnosed with cancer.
In his first public statement since the revelation, the 75-year-old monarch conveyed his heartfelt appreciation through a message published on his official website and the royal family’s official page.
While Buckingham Palace disclosed on Monday that King Charles had commenced treatment, they refrained from specifying the type of cancer he is battling.
In his message addressed to the public, the king conveyed, “I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days.” He acknowledged the profound comfort and encouragement such gestures provide, particularly for those affected by cancer.
King Charles further emphasized the positive impact of sharing his diagnosis in raising awareness and shedding light on the crucial work undertaken by organizations supporting cancer patients and their families both in the UK and globally.
Expressing his admiration for the dedication of healthcare professionals, he concluded his message by signing off as “Charles R.”
The announcement of the king’s diagnosis has triggered a notable increase in online searches for cancer-related information, according to Britain’s National Health Service.
Amidst his treatment, King Charles has temporarily stepped back from his public duties and is currently residing at the royal country residence of Sandringham in eastern England. Despite this, he continues to fulfill some administrative responsibilities and recently conducted his weekly audience with the prime minister via phone.
Though the specific type of cancer has not been disclosed, it is clarified that King Charles is not dealing with prostate cancer. Recent hospital procedures had addressed a benign prostate enlargement, with subsequent tests revealing the presence of another form of cancer, caught early according to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Queen Camilla, Charles’s wife, has reassured the public of her husband’s wellbeing, stating that he is coping admirably under the circumstances.
The diagnosis comes relatively early into Charles’s reign, which commenced following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022. Known for generally robust health, Charles’s diagnosis marks a significant shift in his royal responsibilities, with Prince William, alongside Princess Anne and Camilla, assuming additional duties in his absence.
Prince William, in turn, has also expressed gratitude for the supportive messages received during this challenging time. Additionally, the return of Charles’s estranged son, Prince Harry, to Britain to visit his father has added to the recent flurry of royal engagements and familial reunions.