Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said this morning he was “shocked and saddened” to learn of the king's cancer diagnosis, but was “grateful” that the diagnosis was “detected early” and wished him a full recovery.
Buckingham Palace dramatically revealed yesterday that Charles had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer while being treated for a benign prostate condition.
The King, who has postponed all his public duties, returned to London from Sandringham yesterday and remained at home last night after beginning his medical care as an outpatient under the supervision of his specialist medical team.
Mr Sunak announced that the running of the country would continue as usual and that he was in “regular contact” with the king.
Mr Sunak said on BBC Radio 5 Live this morning that he was “shocked and saddened”, adding: “Thankfully this was caught early on and now everyone wants that they get the treatment they need and that they feel fully recovered.” That’s what we all hope and pray for.
“I am of course in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as usual.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said this morning he was “shocked and saddened” to hear of the King's cancer diagnosis, but “fortunately it was caught early”.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at a Sunday service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on February 4
Buckingham Palace announced that the king had introduced a schedule of regular treatments and would postpone his public duties
The prime minister said he was in “regular contact” with the king and wished him a speedy recovery
Mr Sunak continued: “I am in regular contact with the King and of course that will continue as usual and we will carry on with everything.” He will be in our thoughts and prayers.
“Many families across the country who hear this will be touched by the same thing and know what it means for everyone. “We will keep him ready and hope he gets through this as quickly as possible.”
Asked if he had spoken to Charles since his diagnosis, Mr Sunak reiterated: “I am in regular contact with him and will continue to do so.”
And when asked whether there would continue to be face-to-face meetings with the monarch, he said: “I am in regular contact as always and that will definitely continue.”
Last night the Prime Minister also wished King Charles a “full and speedy recovery”.
The Prime Minister said he had “no doubt” that the monarch would “return to full strength in no time”, and wishes were also poured in from politicians from across the UK.
Buckingham Palace announced yesterday that the royal had begun a schedule of regular treatments and would postpone his public duties.
It is not related to his recent surgery and is not prostate cancer, although the palace declined to confirm the type of cancer.
Medics recognized the “separate issue of concern” when Charles underwent his medical procedure for an enlarged prostate.
Mr Sunak posted on Twitter/X: “I wish His Majesty a full and speedy recovery.”
“I have no doubt he will be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will wish him well.”
Mr Sunak's immediate predecessors as prime minister – Liz Truss and Boris Johnson – also sent their wishes to the monarch.
Ms Truss tweeted: “Sending His Majesty the King and the Royal Family well wishes as he undergoes his cancer treatment.”
“He will be in our thoughts and prayers. 'God save the King!'
People walk past Buckingham Palace this morning following news that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer
Last night the Prime Minister said he had “no doubt” that the monarch would “return to full strength in no time”.
Mr Sunak's immediate predecessors as prime minister – Liz Truss and Boris Johnson – also sent their wishes to the monarch
And Mr Johnson wrote: “The whole country will cheer for the King today.” Best wishes to Charles III. for a complete and quick recovery.
Home Secretary James Cleverly, whose wife Susie has struggled with her own cancer diagnosis in recent years, wished His Majesty “a full and speedy recovery”.
“Susie and I have seen the amazing work that medical professionals can do in cancer treatment,” he added.
Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, who was diagnosed with the rare cancer Hodgkin's lymphoma in his early 30s, said Defense and Armed Forces staff were thinking of the King and the Royal Family.
“As a cancer survivor, I know how powerful his decision to share this message will be in increasing understanding for those affected,” Mr Shapps tweeted.
Sir Keir Starmer released a message on behalf of the Labor Party saying: “On behalf of the Labor Party, I wish His Majesty all the best in his recovery.”
“We look forward to seeing him back to full health soon.”
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, wrote: “The Liberal Democrats join the rest of the nation in wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery.”
Former Labor prime minister Tony Blair said: “I wish His Majesty the King a full, speedy recovery and a return to good health.”
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, made a brief statement to MPs shortly after the announcement from Buckingham Palace at 6am.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, made a brief statement to MPs shortly after the announcement from Buckingham Palace at 6am
Sir Keir Starmer, who was pictured with the royal at St James Palace in June last year, wished His Majesty “all the best in his recovery”.
The Labor leader said his party looked forward to seeing the monarch “quickly return to full health”.
Sir Lindsay told the chamber: “I know that the whole House would like to join me in expressing our condolences to His Majesty following the news announced this evening.”
“Our thoughts are of course with His Majesty the King and his family and, following today’s news, we would all like to send him our best wishes for successful treatment and a speedy recovery.”
Scottish Prime Minister Humza Yousaf said his “thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty the King.”
“I wish him all the best for a speedy recovery and return to public life,” the SNP leader added.
“My thoughts are also with Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family at this time, which I know will be worrying for them all.”
Welsh Prime Minister Mark Drakeford said he was “saddened by the news” that Charles “faces further health challenges”.
“My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening,” he tweeted.
“I send him my very best wishes as he begins treatment for a full and speedy recovery. “Gwellhad buan.”
Home Secretary James Cleverly, whose wife Susie has struggled with her own cancer diagnosis in recent years, wished His Majesty “a full and speedy recovery”.
Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, who was diagnosed with the rare cancer Hodgkin's lymphoma in his early 30s, said Defense and Armed Forces staff were thinking of the King and the Royal Family
Northern Ireland's newly installed first minister, Michelle O'Neill, wished the king a “full and speedy recovery.”
“I am very sorry to hear of King Charles’ illness and I wish him all the best in his treatment and a full and speedy recovery,” the Sinn Féin politician wrote.
Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was praying for the king.
“I would like to wish His Majesty King Charles all the best with his treatment,” said the DUP politician.
“I, like many people across Northern Ireland, will keep him and his family in my prayers.”
The king was also praised for making his diagnosis public.
Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins wrote on X: “My thoughts are with King Charles and the entire Royal Family.”
“His decision to share his diagnosis to promote public understanding for all those affected by cancer is commendable.”
“I wish His Majesty all the best and look forward to him returning to his public duties.”
Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who underwent treatment for kidney cancer in 2021, said: “One in two of us will develop cancer in our lifetime, but millions more are affected when someone we love is diagnosed with cancer becomes.”
Scottish Prime Minister Humza Yousaf said his “thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty the King.”
Welsh Prime Minister Mark Drakeford said he was “saddened by the news” that Charles “faces further health challenges”.
Northern Ireland's newly installed first minister, Michelle O'Neill, wished the king a “full and speedy recovery.”
“I send best wishes to His Majesty for his treatment and to his family, who have supported him throughout.”
Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, wished Charles a “speedy recovery.”
The Maltese MEP wrote: “His example of public service and commitment inspires far beyond the borders of the UK. “I know the people of Europe wish him well.”
Republic, the group campaigning for the abolition of the British monarchy, wrote on Twitter/X: “Cancer is a terrible disease and we are very sorry to hear of Charles' diagnosis. We wish him a speedy recovery.”