King Charles III has spoken for the first time since his cancer diagnosis, releasing a statement to give thanks for the many messages of support he has received.
The monarch released a statement about 9am today (10pm Saturday GMT), five days after Buckingham Palace announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
"I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days," the statement begins.
"As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement."
"It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world," the statement continues.
"My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience."
The king was diagnosed after his recent hospital treatment for benign prostate enlargement.
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He was said to be beginning treatment when his diagnosis was made public.
The palace has not specified what kind of cancer the king has.
King Charles, 75, ascended to the throne after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, and was crowned in May last year.
