King Charles III has already returned to his royal duties after his shocking cancer diagnosis.
The monarch, who had his first in-person meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, got candid about how touched he was by the support he received since announcing his cancer battle.
Charles’ cancer diagnosis came shortly after he was treated for an “enlarged prostate” at the London Clinic. It was during this period that the king’s cancer was discovered.
King Charles Brought To ‘Tears’ Over Response To His Cancer Diagnosis
On Wednesday, King Charles carried out his first in-person royal duties since his cancer diagnosis was revealed by attending a meeting with Prime Minister Sunak at Buckingham Palace to discuss matters about the government.
At the meeting, Sunak told Charles that it was “wonderful to see you looking so well,” to which the monarch joked, “It’s all done with mirrors.”
Sunak then reassured Charles, “We’re all behind you. The country is behind you,” prompting the king to respond, “I’ve had so many wonderful messages and cards. It’s reduced me to tears most of the time.”
During Charles’ conversation with the Prime Minister, they discussed how the monarch’s cancer diagnosis has helped put important cancer charities in the spotlight.
“I hear there’s been a lot more attention and interest on those main, wonderful cancer charities, many of which I’ve been [a] patron for years,” Charles said.
Sunak responded, “They do incredible work up and down the country.”
The Prime Minister previously calmed the minds of many by stating that King Charles’s cancer was discovered early.
“Obviously, like everyone else, shocked and sad, and just all our thoughts are with him and his family. Thankfully, this has been caught early,” Sunak said on February 6 in a conversation with BBC Radio Five Live.
The King Opened Up About His Cancer Diagnosis
Charles has since personally addressed his cancer diagnosis through Buckingham Palace. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of support from the public.
“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 note signed by King Charles read.
“As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement,” it continued. “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 organizations which support cancer patients and their families across the U.K. and wider world.”
The statement added, “My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”
King Charles’ cancer diagnosis was revealed in an earlier statement from Buckingham Palace: “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.”
It further read, “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.”
King Charles Is Getting Support From His Wife, Queen Camilla
According to a Buckingham Palace insider, Queen Camilla plays an essential role in King Charles’ recovery effort, as she is his “strength and stay” like Prince Philip was for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
“She is his strength and stay like [Prince Philip] was for the late Queen. She will be great. She will rally him, she will buoy him. She is amazing. She equips him to do the job he has to do,” the insider told the Daily Mail.
Charles’ cancer diagnosis has also brought him close to his son, Prince Harry, who immediately flew to the U.K. following news of his father’s health. A source said the pair had a “brief meeting” before the King and Camilla were driven to Buckingham Palace, where a helicopter was waiting to take them back to Sandringham.
In a recent interview with “Good Morning America,” Harry seemingly agreed that his father’s cancer diagnosis could heal the royal rift, stating that “illnesses” bring families together.