- Thursday, December 26, 2024
The 75-year-old king, who took over the reigns in September 2022, has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, the Buckingham Palace announced on February 5.
By: Shubham Ghosh
SEVERAL world leaders wished King Charles III a speedy recovery after the Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday (5) that the veteran royal was diagnosed with cancer.
Among the well-wishers were Indian prime minister Narendra Modi who said in a post on X that he, along with the people of his country, wished “speedy recovery and good health” to the king, who took over the reigns in September 2022 following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-serving monarch. Charles’s official coronation took place in May last year.
“I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III,” Modi posted along with a picture of the 75-year-old king and the official announcement made by the Palace.
Read: King Charles III diagnosed with cancer: Buckingham Palace
I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III. https://t.co/86mKg9lE1q
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 6, 2024
In its statement, it also said that the king commenced his treatment on Monday and would temporarily retreat from public engagements and return as soon as possible. He, however, will continue to carry out his state business and official paperwork.
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual,” the palace statement read.
The Palace also said that it was during the king’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” it added.
Prime minister Rishi Sunak, who took over after Charles ascended the throne, also wished the king a speedy recovery and while expressing shock and sadness, he was relieved that the illness was ‘caught early’.
“Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well,” Sunak said in a post.
Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery.
I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well. https://t.co/W4qe806gmv
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 5, 2024
“Thankfully, this has been caught early,” the PM told the BBC, saying he would “continue to communicate with him as normal” – indicating his customary weekly audiences with the King will continue during the treatment.
“He’ll just be in our thoughts and our prayers. Many families around the country listening to this will have been touched by the same thing and they know what it means to everyone…hopefully we get through this as quickly as possible,” he added.
Former UK premier Boris Johnson said, “The whole country will be rooting for the King today. Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery.”
The whole country will be rooting for the King today. Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery. https://t.co/A5AP8rXLXY
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 5, 2024
US president Joe Biden was also praying for the king. He said on X, “Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery.”
Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage.
Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 5, 2024
Biden told reporters, “I’m concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. I’ll be talking to him, God willing.”
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, as reported by Reuters, said, “I like Canadians across the country and people around the world, I am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer. We’re sending him our very best wishes – and hoping for a fast and full recovery.”
(With agency inputs)
