King Charles III has broken his silence for the first time since Buckingham Palace revealed on February 5th that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the 75-year-old monarch expressed gratitude to those who had offered him well-wishes and support in light of his health announcement.
“I would like to extend my deepest thanks for the numerous messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” stated the King, as conveyed by Buckingham Palace.
“As anyone who has dealt with cancer knows, such kind sentiments provide the greatest solace and motivation.”
“It is equally heartening to learn how sharing my own diagnosis has contributed to raising public awareness and shedding light on the efforts of all the organizations that aid cancer patients and their families across the U.K. and beyond.”
King Charles III (Credits: The Hollywood Reporter)
“My enduring admiration for their tireless care and commitment is further strengthened by my own personal journey,” he added.
The King’s cancer diagnosis came to light on Monday, a week after his discharge from the London Clinic, where he had undergone treatment for an enlarged prostate on January 26th.
Following a three-day stay, he was discharged from the clinic.
“During The King’s recent medical procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was identified. Subsequent diagnostic tests revealed a form of cancer,” Buckingham Palace had earlier stated.
“His Majesty has now commenced a series of regular treatments, during which he has been advised by physicians to postpone public engagements. Throughout this period, he will continue to fulfill his state duties and official responsibilities as usual.”
“The King is appreciative of the prompt action taken by his medical team, which was made possible due to his recent hospital treatment. He remains entirely optimistic about his treatment and eagerly anticipates resuming his full public duties at the earliest opportunity,” the statement continued.
“His Majesty has opted to share his diagnosis to quell speculation and in the hope of aiding public understanding for all those worldwide affected by cancer.”
Upon the revelation of his cancer diagnosis, Prince Harry promptly traveled to the UK to be with his estranged father.
The 39-year-old, whose relationship with his father has been strained since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, arrived at Heathrow Airport in London on Tuesday before making a brief stop at Clarence House to visit Charles in the afternoon, according to exclusive information obtained by Page Six.
Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, remained at their residence in Montecito, California, with their two children, Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2.
A day after Harry’s visit to Charles in the UK, his brother, Prince William, released a statement expressing gratitude for the support extended to him and his family following Charles’ cancer diagnosis and his wife, Kate Middleton’s, abdominal surgery.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, particularly in recent days. It means a great deal to us all,” he remarked on Wednesday at a gala for London’s Air Ambulance Charity, as shared in a video on X.
“The past few weeks have understandably revolved around health matters, so I thought I’d attend an Air Ambulance event to take a break,” joked the Prince of Wales, 41.
The Palace has not yet disclosed the specific type of cancer Charles has been diagnosed with.
However, according to the Daily Mail, his prognosis is “positive,” and the cancer was detected “very early.” The King even appeared to be in good spirits when he and Queen Camilla departed Clarence House together on Tuesday morning.
