King Charles has sent his “heartfelt thanks” to well-wishers in his first statement since being diagnosed with cancer.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks for the messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days. Anyone affected by cancer knows that such kind thoughts are a great source of encouragement and comfort,” King Charles wrote in a message released by the British Royal Family on the evening of February 10.
This is the first time King Charles has spoken since February 5, when Buckingham Palace announced he was diagnosed with cancer while hospitalized for treatment of an enlarged prostate.
King Charles said he was “encouraged” to know that sharing his cancer diagnosis had helped raise public awareness of the disease and helped people better understand the work of cancer support organisations in the UK and around the world.
“My everlasting admiration for their tireless efforts has grown even greater since my own illness,” King Charles wrote.
British health authorities have previously said online searches for cancer have surged since King Charles was diagnosed with the disease.
The British royal family said King Charles will step back from public appearances to focus on his treatment. Prince William, the heir to the throne, will take on most of Charles’ duties alongside Queen Camilla and Princess Anne.
However, King Charles will still be able to carry out some work remotely and will hold weekly phone calls with Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
The royal family has not revealed what type of cancer King Charles has, but experts say it is unlikely to be prostate cancer. Prime Minister Sunak said the disease was caught early, while Queen Camilla said his treatment is going well.
King Charles, 75, who inherited the throne in September 2022 after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, was crowned on May 6, 2023, and is generally in good health, apart from injuries sustained playing polo and skiing in his youth.
The British royal family announced last month that King Charles had an enlarged prostate, a benign condition that usually affects men over 50. King Charles was hospitalized in London on January 26 for treatment and recovered, and was discharged after three days.