The King extended his “sincere thanks” to the public for their support following his cancer diagnosis, saying their kind thoughts were “the greatest consolation and encouragement.”
In his first public comments acknowledging his illness, the king acknowledged the good faith he has shown since Buckingham Palace announced his diagnosis less than a week ago.
Writing from Sandringham, Norfolk, where he is working from home and resting after his first round of treatment, the King spoke of his “lifelong admiration” for all those who support cancer patients.
He said it was “even greater now that he has personally experienced their care.”
The King is undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer, and will spend most of each week at Sandringham or Highgrove away from public events to protect his health.
He is expected to return to London more or less weekly to meet the Prime Minister and receive further medical treatment and advice.
In his message to the nation, His Majesty said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days.
“As all people with cancer know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.
“It is equally encouraging to hear how sharing my diagnosis has helped enhance public understanding and highlight the work of all those organizations supporting cancer patients and their families across the UK and the wider world.