The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has extended his well wishes to the monarch for a speedy recovery and expressed his confidence that the entire country is hoping for his swift return to health.
Buckingham Palace has confirmed on this Monday that monarch Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer. This diagnosis was discovered during his recent surgery for an enlarged prostate, and he has already commenced with regular treatments.
A statement released by the British royal family along with a newly taken photograph of the monarch reads, “His Majesty has started a program of regular treatments today, during which doctors have recommended that he postpone his public duties.”
Charles III has expressed his gratitude to the medical team for their prompt intervention, which was facilitated due to the recent surgical procedure he underwent for an enlarged prostate just a few days ago.
Buckingham Palace has emphasized that the monarch remains wholly positive regarding the treatment received and is eagerly awaiting his return to full public duties as quickly as possible.
The royal family has pointed out that Charles III has chosen to announce this news to prevent any speculation and in hopes that it will contribute to raising awareness about cancer. However, Buckingham Palace has not provided any details on the type of cancer he is suffering from.
Prince William, the heir to the throne, has been personally informed by his father, with whom he maintains regular contact. William had temporarily suspended his public duties after his wife, Catherine of Wales, also had surgery.
According to the British press, Duke Henry of Sussex, the monarch’s youngest son, has been in contact with his father and might travel from the United States, where he currently resides after resigning from representing the monarchy, in the upcoming days.
BRITISH REACTIONS
The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was among the first political figures to react to the news. He wished the king a swift recovery and expressed his belief that he will regain his strength soon. He shared on his social media platforms, “I know that the whole country will wish him the best.”
The leader of the opposition, Labor’s Keir Starmer, expressed similar sentiments and extended his support to the monarch on behalf of the entire Labor Party. He stated, “We hope to see him recover to health quickly.”
The chief ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, namely Humza Yousaf, Mark Drakeford, and Michelle O’Neill, respectively, have shown their support for the monarch and the rest of the British Crown during this concerning time for everyone.
“I am very sorry to learn of King Charles’ illness and I wish him the best in his treatment and a speedy and full recovery,” the new Northern Irish Prime Minister, Republican Michelle O’Neill, posted on the social network X.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson also shared his words of support for Charles III and wished him a speedy recovery, as did his successor, Liz Truss, who stated that the monarch will be in the “thoughts and prayers” of the British people.
Tony Blair, who served as the Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007, also wished the monarch “a full, speedy recovery and return to excellently good health.”
Upon hearing the news, the House of Commons paused to extend their well wishes to the king for a “successful treatment.” The Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, stated, “I know that the whole House will want to join me in expressing our support for His Majesty the King.”
INTERNATIONAL REACTION
Internationally, the first to react was the president of the United States, Joe Biden, who expressed his concern. “I just found out about his diagnosis,” Biden stated from Las Vegas after being questioned by journalists. “I’m worried about him. I hope to be able to speak to him soon,” he added, as reported by the BBC.
Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, posted on his personal social network, Truth Social, that the British king is “a wonderful man.” “I got to know him well during my presidency. We all pray that he makes a quick and full recovery!” he stated.
The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, joined in to wish him a “speedy and full recovery,” a sentiment echoed by all Canadians in the country and around the world. Charles III is formally the head of state of Canada.
Christopher Luxon, head of government of another former British colony, New Zealand, wished the monarch “all the best and a speedy recovery on behalf of all Kiwis.” “Kia Kaha, King Charles”, or “Be strong, King Charles”, he added in Maori.
The last public image of Charles III was taken this Sunday when he attended a religious event with Queen Consort Camilla in Norfolk, at the eastern end of the island of Great Britain. This was his first appearance after his prostate surgery.
Charles III, at the age of 75, ascended to the British throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022, after a reign of more than 70 years. His coronation was officially held in London in the early part of May last year.