KING Charles III says he will continue to serve “as best he can” following his cancer diagnosis. He said he was “touched” by people’s hopes for his health.
The 75-year-old monarch, who became king in September 2022 following the death of his mother Elizabeth II, was admitted for surgery for a benign prostate condition in January, but was later diagnosed with unrelated cancer.
He has postponed all public duties while undergoing treatment, but continues to work behind the scenes and has held several face-to-face meetings.
“In recent weeks, I have been deeply touched by your good wishes and thoughts for my health,” he said in a pre-recorded speech to mark the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth.
“In return, I can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth.”
Queen Camilla, Charles’ 76-year-old wife, and son Prince William, 41, have taken on most of the royal family’s duties during Charles’ absence.
Also read: Prince Harry goes to London to visit King Charles III who was diagnosed with cancer
William’s wife, Princess Kate, 42, has also been absent from public life since undergoing stomach surgery in January.
In his speech, Charles praised the diversity of the Commonwealth and encouraged member states to work together to tackle the climate and economic challenges facing the world.
“While we may not all have a shared history, we have a shared ambition for a better future – working together to build resilience and respond to global challenges,” the monarch said in a recorded speech at Windsor Palace in February.
“Our diversity means that these challenges affect us all differently and we experience their impacts in different ways,” he said.
The Commonwealth, founded in 1949, is home to a third of the world’s population, with most of its 56 member countries being former British colonies in Africa, the Americas and Asia. (AFP/Z-3)
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