King Charles makes his first public statement since cancer diagnosis & says he’s ‘so sorry he can’t be there’

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

Speaking out to mark Grenada’s 50th anniversary of Independence, the King said he sent his "congratulations and warmest good wishes" to the country, amid current worrying health issues.

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Charles, 75, has started treatment and was advised by doctors to cancel front line duties.

The shock announcement came just eight days after he was released from hospital following a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate.

But it remains unclear when Charles will be able to resume full-time public appearances.

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

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Charles also said that he holds "special memories" after visiting the island five years ago.

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!'"

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The statement continued: "My wife and I hold such special memories of our visit to your beautiful 'Spice Island' five years ago, and of the warm and touching welcome you extended to us.

"Then, as whenever I have met Grenadians anywhere in the world, I was struck by your resilience, the strength of your community and by your shared determination to make a positive difference.

"In this Grenadian spirit you can take the greatest pride. Whether through the remarkable contributions of Grenada's artists, musicians and authors, or the triumphs of your athletes, all of whom have enjoyed such extraordinary success, '473 to the World' is an inspiration to us all.

"I can only say how sorry I am that I cannot be with you in person to mark this momentous milestone, and to enjoy a little Oil Down with you all!

"My thoughts are with everyone across Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, and all those in the Grenadian diaspora - "one people, one family" - as you celebrate everything you have achieved and all that your future holds. My family join me in sending our heartfelt congratulations to you all."

His Majesty carried out a staggering 516 engagements last year, including 94 trips abroad.

However, King Charles will continue with his weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, but they may have to be scaled back on the advice of doctors.

In the meantime, other Royals, including the Queen, will continue with a full programme of public duties.

They are also likely to undertake additional duties on behalf of the King whilst he is out of action.

It comes as:

• The King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer
• Prince Harry rushed to the airport in LA to fly home to support his father
• He only stayed in the UK for 26 hours before jetting back home
• William made a speech thanking well-wishers
• Meghan will remain in California with their children
• The King personally called his siblings and children to tell them of his diagnosis
• Charles is receiving expert care from specialist doctors
• His Majesty returned from Sandringham to London to begin treatment
• Doctors advised the King to postpone public-facing Royal duties
• Camilla and William will step up to share the weight of the King's duties during his treatment
• Charles will continue to receive Red Boxes and State documents
• Charles and Camilla shared a cancer message just a day before announcing his diagnosis

It comes after Prince William spoke publicly for the first time since Charles' cancer diagnosis - as he thanked well-wishers for their support.

The Prince of Wales, 41, gave a speech at a fundraising gala for the London Air Ambulance Charity at London's Raffles Hotel last night.

Wills told guests at London's Raffles Hotel: "Thank you for being here. And thank you to all those whose hard work has made this evening possible.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days. It means a great deal to us all."

Then in a light-hearted joke amid a stressful past three weeks, he added: "It's fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather “medical” focus.

"So I thought I'd come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all."

The prince also shook hands and posed for a photograph with Tom Cruise, before the pair chatted for several seconds and the Hollywood star gently patted the prince on his arm.

The event was his first engagement after pausing his diary for three-and-a-half weeks to care for Kate and their three children following his wife's abdominal surgery last month.

William was seen smiling and joking as he handed out gongs at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry was pictured smiling as he headed back to LA earlier today following a whistle-stop trip to see his father.

The Duke was seen arriving at London Heathrow at 1.30pm - just 25 hours after landing at 12.30pm on Tuesday.

It is believed he spent the night at a hotel, rather than staying at a royal palace following a brief reunion with his father.

The cancer announcement came just eight days after His Majesty was released from hospital following a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate.

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Palace officials did not specify what kind of cancer the king has, or how serious his condition is.

They only said that it was discovered during the King’s recent hospital treatment.

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