Charles 'turns to secret Greek monk friend for advice' after cancer diagnosis

26 February 2024 , 07:57

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King Charles III and Queen Camilla are pictured leaving a recent church service in Sandringham, Norfolk (Image: PA)

King Charles has turned to a Greek Orthodox monk for spiritual advice after his cancer diagnosis, according to reports.

His Majesty has enjoyed a friendship with Archimandrite Ephraim for more than 25 years and grew close after Princess Diana's death in 1997. Charles contacted Elder Ephraim, 67, for guidance in the days after his cancer diagnosis earlier this month.

And the Abbot has, for the first time, spoken about his friendship with the monarch, whom he and close sources believe will overcome the illness. The Abbot said: "We have a very good rapport."

Charles, 75, has his own quarters at Vatopedi, on Mount Athos on the Greek peninsula. It is said has visited Mount Athos several times since his shock, and and visited the Abbot’s 10th century monastery on the site.

Buckingham Palace announced, on February 5, the King had cancer, but not of the prostate, and said the monarch will not carry out public-facing duties. It came after Charles underwent treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.

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The monarch reads cards and messages, sent by well-wishers following his cancer diagnosis (PA)

"Charles has a spiritual sophistication, a spiritual life... Yes, he has been in contact since the diagnosis and I believe he’ll overcome it. There are no distractions so he can meditate, pray and follow ancient rituals like getting up at 4am to follow the liturgy which he absolutely adores," a source told The Sun.

Queen Camilla has been carrying out public duties since and, this week, she will lead a service at Windsor Castle for Greece’s late King Constantine. Constantine, a godfather of Prince William and a second cousin of King Charles, died at the age of 82 last year following a period of ill health.

He was one of William's six godparents, who also include Lady Susan Hussey and Princess Alexandra, and attended his confirmation in March 1997. When he acceded to the throne as Constantine II at the age of 23 in 1964, the youthful monarch, who had already achieved glory as an Olympic gold medallist in sailing, was hugely popular.

However, by the following year, he had squandered much of that support with his active involvement in the machinations that brought down the popularly elected Centre Union government of prime minister George Papandreou.

Bradley Jolly