LONDON: Britain’s King Charles thanked supporters on Saturday after his cancer diagnosis, his first public comment since Buckingham Palace announced he would postpone some engagements for treatment.
“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and well wishes I have received over the past few days,” Charles said in a statement.
The palace announced on Monday that Charles, 75, had been diagnosed with a form of cancer less than 18 months into his reign.
“As anyone who has been affected by cancer knows, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement,” said Charles.
The King said it was encouraging to hear how his diagnosis had helped shine a light on organizations that support cancer patients in Britain and elsewhere.
The news of his cancer comes after Charles spent three nights in hospital last month undergoing corrective surgery for a benign enlarged prostate.
Buckingham Palace did not provide any details on his condition, other than to say it was not prostate cancer, but said the king remains “absolutely positive” and looks forward to returning to public service as soon as possible.
Charles’ wife, Queen Camilla, said on Thursday that Charles was doing “extremely well”.
With the king undergoing treatment and Prince William’s wife Kate recovering from abdominal surgery, it is the duty of the remaining members of the royal family – especially William and Camilla – to provide the public face of the monarchy.
