- By Sean Coughlan
- Royal correspondent
February 23, 2024
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The king was amused by a card depicting a dog wearing a protective cone
Some of the 7,000 cards of support sent to him during his cancer treatment have cheered King Charles, including some with humorous content.
They included a card with a picture of a dog wearing a protective cone with the caption: “At least you don't have to wear a cone!”
Other messages shared people's own experiences with cancer and wished the king a “speedy recovery.”
The king described being “moved to tears” by the cards sent to him.
According to palace officials, despite health concerns, there was “frequent laughter,” with the dog particularly amusing the king.
The senders are not named, but the company that made the card, Pigment, told the BBC it was one of their best-sellers that had been personalized with the king's name – and they had “hoped it would be the king.” makes you smile.”
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Some of the get well cards were handmade
A selection of the messages of support are placed in the red boxes that contain the king's daily documents.
“I wanted to tell you that I am thinking of you as you face your own diagnosis and treatment and sending prayers and all well wishes for a speedy recovery,” one well-wisher wrote.
“Chin up, chest out, stay positive and don’t let yourself get down. Trust me it works but the most important thing is family,” said another.
Some of the messages come from people dealing with their own concerns about cancer.
Rebecca Stead, from Macmillan Cancer Support, told BBC News: “Hearing the news that you have cancer is a big moment in anyone's life and there is no right or wrong way to react.”
“It’s completely normal to experience waves of different emotions. However, we know that many people are feeling uncertain or worried.”
This could be practical things like paying the mortgage or confusion about treatment, she says, urging people to seek advice.
The king's openness about cancer was also praised as helping to remove taboos about the disease.
According to Macmillan's, the royal's public recognition of his cancer sparked a surge in people seeking information.
Macmillan's online information pages received 50,000 hits on the day the king's diagnosis was announced, 40% more than usual.
The king has withdrawn from public events but continued work as head of state, including regular meetings with the prime minister.
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The King told the Prime Minister that he had been deeply touched by the messages of support
The latest images released by Buckingham Palace were taken ahead of the meeting with Rishi Sunak on Wednesday.
When the Prime Minister said how good-looking the King was, he deflected it with a joke, saying: “It's all just a reflection.”
Humor was often used by King, who was a long-time fan of The Goons and took part in comedy shows at university. A contemporary student had said: “I think he's actually very shy and it's a lot easier if you make people laugh.”
But in his current situation, the king is said to have been moved by children's homemade cards with the message: “Never give up. Be brave. Don't overstep your boundaries. Get well soon.”