The British monarch, King Charles III, conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming support and well-wishes he received following the recent revelation of his cancer diagnosis. In his first public statement since the announcement, the 75-year-old king expressed gratitude for the numerous messages of support, acknowledging the comfort and encouragement they provide in the face of the challenging journey that lies ahead.
The monarch’s message, shared on the royal family’s official website and social media profiles, also highlighted the growing concern for cancer since the disclosure of his condition. King Charles III praised organizations supporting cancer patients and their families in the UK and globally, emphasizing his profound admiration for their tireless care and dedication.
King Charles III was diagnosed with cancer and initiated treatment, prompting him to take a temporary hiatus from public duties, as announced by Buckingham Palace on Monday. While currently residing at the royal Sandringham estate in East England, the king continues to manage some administrative tasks and conducts his weekly phone audience with the prime minister.
The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed, and it is not believed to be prostate cancer, as the palace mentioned a distinct issue detected during his recent hospital treatment for benign prostate enlargement. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the early detection of the condition.
Queen Camilla, the king’s wife, shared on Thursday that he is “doing very well” given the circumstances. The diagnosis comes 17 months into King Charles III’s reign, succeeding his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September 2022. Prince William, the heir to the throne, has assumed more royal responsibilities during this period, with Prince Harry visiting the UK to spend time with his father amid the health challenge.