11 February 2024 , 11:03
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King Charles III has broken cover after being diagnosed with cancer as he attended a church service this morning.
Several images were taken of the monarch today as he entered for the service on the royal Sandringham Estate, where he has been recovering since news of his cancer diagnosis was made public on February 6.
It comes hours after the monarch issued a statement of his gratitude to the public for its heartfelt messages of support after the world was left reeling following the news.
Several images were taken of the monarch today as he entered for the service on the royal Sandringham Estate (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)The King was so moved by the nation’s support as he fights cancer he sent a message of thanks last night. In the note, Charles said it was the “greatest comfort” and he is heartened that sharing his diagnosis has “shone a light” on organisations helping patients. The Queen has also said they have been “touched”.
The King was all smiles and waves as he headed into church (©Karwai Tang)
The King was so moved by the nation’s support as he fights cancer he sent a message of thanks last night (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)In a personal and candid statement issued by Buckingham Palace, Charles said his illness had led to the growth of his own “lifelong admiration” for organisations like the NHS and charities that help thousands fight the disease. The 75-year-old also said he was “heartened” that sharing his plight had helped promote “public understanding” of the illness – referencing the surge in online searches for NHS information about cancer and its symptoms. Royal sources said last night His Majesty is “doing well” and expected to attend church at Sandringham today.
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Queen Camilla joined the King as they headed to church (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)He is understood to be focusing on resting in preparation for more treatment while recuperating at his estate in Norfolk. His condition was discovered during surgery at the London Clinic for an enlarged prostate last month, which led to the discovery of a “form of cancer” described as a “separate issue”. The King has begun “regular treatments” which started last Monday and postponed public duties, although he intends to keep up his weekly audiences with the Prime Minister.
The royals' enormous estate at Sandringham (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)Sources say Charles may even release photos and video of his meetings with Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace. The exact nature of the King’s condition is not known but the Palace has confirmed it is not prostate cancer. In his statement, Charles said: “I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days. 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.”