King Charles makes first public statement since his shock cancer diagnosis

7 February 2024, 23:23

King Charles
King Charles. Picture: Alamy
Kieran Kelly

By Kieran Kelly

King Charles has made his first public statement since his shock cancer diagnosis.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The King was diagnosed with cancer after receiving treatment for a separate issue.

He had undergone treatment for an enlarged prostate, and while Buckingham Palace has not clarified what form of cancer the monarch has, it is not prostate cancer.

Charles made his first public appearance since his diagnosis was announced yesterday, waving at crowds as he left London for Sandringham following a meeting with Prince Harry.

King Charles leaving hospital after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate
King Charles leaving hospital after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate. Picture: Alamy

He will temporarily stop public duties as he undergoes treatment, though will continue to work in private.

Just days after his diagnosis was announced, Charles has made his first public statement.

Read More: Moment Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis found out about King Charles' cancer diagnosis

Read More: Prince William 'appreciates public's kindness' as he addresses King Charles' cancer diagnosis at gala with Tom Cruise

Speaking out to mark Grenada’s 50th anniversary of Independence, King Charles said he sent his "congratulations and warmest good wishes".

In his statement, Charles apologised that he could not "be with you in person" to celebrate the country's "momentous milestone".

Andrew Marr says that the King's cancer 'does have a real effect in the real world'.

The full statement to Grenada read: "Over these past five decades, I have watched with the deepest admiration as you have built your nation and forged Grenada's distinct place in the world, and as an essential member of our Commonwealth family.

"Together, you have established Grenada as an exemplar of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Together, you have risen to the most critical challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss by offering the world an example of leadership, resilience and innovation.

"Together, you have given life to the words of your national anthem: 'Aspire, build, advance!'"

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan 'will be extradited to Britain after their trial in Romania' following rape and human trafficking charges

Tristan and Andrew Tate 'will be extradited to Britain following Romanian trial' over rape and human trafficking charges

London, UK. 9th October 2024. Nick Read, CEO of Post Office Limited, arrives at Aldwych House as the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry continues. Credit: Vuk Valcic/Alamy Live News

Post Office agrees to compensate hundreds of sub-postmasters following data breach

Pupils’ enjoyment of school suffers ‘substantial decline’ in Year 7, study finds

Pupils’ enjoyment of school suffers ‘substantial decline’ in Year 7, study finds

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves speaks during a reception following the UK-EU summit, in London, Monday May 19, 2025. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)

Rachel Reeves U-turns on plans to cut ISA limit to £4k

Prescription drugs

Rise in drug-related deaths blamed for increase in UK mortality rate compared with other high-income countries

Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu powers to impressive win over Daria Kasatkina in Strasbourg

Ali Faris Muhammad, 26, died of his wounds after an “altercation” in Brent on Sunday, May 18.

Victim of fatal stabbing in Brent named by police after 'altercation' in north-west London

Donald Trump has reportedly held a phone call with Putin

Russia and Ukraine to 'immediately' start ceasefire talks as Zelenskyy pitches ‘high-level’ meeting of world leaders

Zak Starkey has also previously played with Oasis, Lightning Seeds and Johnny Marr

Zak Starkey sacked from The Who after on-stage row, but says he was told to pretend he quit

Konakli city near Alanya by the Mediterranean Sea, Turkey

Mystery as British tourist, 43, found dead under 'suspicious circumstances’ on Turkish hotel bathroom floor

Donald Trump, left, and Vladimir Putin, right, held a two hour phone call on Monday.

Trump says Russia and Ukraine will ‘immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire’ after two-hour call with Putin

Food distributed to Palestinians in Gaza under Israeli attacks

First aid trucks enter Gaza after 10-week blockade but UN warns it's just a 'drop in the ocean'

David Chester, 57, died in the blaze

Tributes paid to 'hero' father killed helping firefighters during blaze at former RAF base

One-legged dementia patient Donald Burgess was pepper sprayed and tasered three weeks before he died

Moment police pepper spray and taser amputee care home resident, 92, in his wheelchair shown in court

A third man has been arrested in connection with a string of arson attacks on Keir Starmer-linked properties.

Third person arrested over arson attacks at properties linked to Keir Starmer

Lulu with her dog Fudge at the launch 'Lulu's Mental Health Trust' in East London.

Lulu opens up about going into therapy as she says completing new memoir felt 'intense'