King Charles breaks silence in first statement after cancer diagnosis

King Charles has released his first statement after it was announced he had been diagnosed with cancer. Buckingham Palace has issued the statement, with the 75 year old monarch saying it is "heartening" to hear that his diagnosis has "helped to promote public understanding." The full statement reads: "I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days. "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. "My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience," the statement concluded.

Buckingham Palace previously confirmed the King, who only acceded to the throne 17 months ago, does not have prostate cancer, saying only that he has a “form of cancer”.

He was diagnosed after a “separate issue of concern was noted” and was investigated while he was being treated for his benign enlarged prostate.

The Palace has called for the King’s privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities.The 75-year-old King was seen in public for the first time since his cancer diagnosis on Tuesday as he left Clarence House the day after starting his treatment, following a brief reunion with the Duke of Sussex.