LISTEN HEIR
King Charles makes first statement since leaving hospital as he recovers at home from prostate surgery
Seven million people took part in the volunteering drive last year, which coincided with the King's coronation celebrations
THE King has backed this year’s Big Help Out — as he recovers from hospital treatment.
He described the volunteering drive as “all the more important at a time of real hardship for many”.
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In a statement written before he underwent a procedure for an enlarged prostate, His Majesty urged the public to sign up to lend a hand to good causes in June.
He said: “I have long believed that one of the greatest strengths of our nation is our ability to come together and help each other through times of hardship.
“Throughout my life, I have been encouraged and inspired by those selfless volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to helping others, across all communities and across the full breadth of our country.”
He added it was “wonderful” to hear of the seven million people who took part last May — part of his coronation celebrations.
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The King said: “It was a source of great pride to my whole family that, thanks to all these millions who took part, the coronation became a moment not just to celebrate continuity and nationhood, but also the values that we have long held dear: kindness, compassion and service to others.
“As I said in my Christmas broadcast last year, this is all the more important at a time of real hardship for many, when we need to build on existing ways to support others less fortunate than ourselves.
“In so doing, we also bring out the best in ourselves.”
The Princess of Wales, and family renovated a Scout hut.
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She and William are not currently carrying out Royal engagements as Kate recovers at home after two weeks in hospital following major abdominal surgery.
The Prince of Wales has stepped back temporarily to care for her and their three kids: George, 10; Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five.
HEALTH WOES
How the health scares facing Charles & Kate unfolded:
Tuesday, January 16: Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery.
Wednesday, January 17: Kensington Palace announces the princess' operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days.
Over an hour later, Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days.
Thursday, January 18: Prince William spends time at his wife's bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit.
The Queen says the King is "fine" and "looking forward to getting back to work" during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Friday, January 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure.
Monday, January 22: The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is "fine", and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon.
Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: "The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit."
Thursday, January 25: The King arrives back in London from Sandringham ready for his treatment.
Friday, January 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital.
Queen Camilla emerged after the operation to tell reporters "he's fine, thank you" before a source said the King was "doing well".
Saturday, January 27: Queen Camilla appears in good spirits as she leaves hospital on the King's second day of recovery.
Sunday January 28: Her Majesty visits The King on his third day in hospital.
Monday, January 29: Both the King and Princess of Wales leave the London Clinic.
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