King Charles III affirmed on Monday his unwavering commitment to fulfill his duties “to the best of his ability” following his cancer diagnosis, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and well-wishes for his recovery.
Since ascending to the throne in September 2022 upon the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the 75-year-old monarch underwent surgery for a benign prostate condition in January, only to be later diagnosed with an unrelated form of cancer.
While focusing on his treatment, he has decided to postpone all public engagements but remains actively involved in behind-the-scenes work and has made time for select in-person meetings.
“In recent weeks, I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health,” he said in a pre-recorded speech to mark the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth.
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“In return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth.”
In King Charles’s absence, Queen Camilla, aged 76, and his son, Prince William, aged 41, have assumed the lion’s share of the royal family’s responsibilities.
Princess Kate, aged 42, has been out of the public eye since January, following abdominal surgery, leaving a noticeable gap in her usual presence alongside Prince William.
Charles used his speech to highlight the diversity present within the Commonwealth and to advocate for collective action among member nations to address the urgent issues of climate change and economic instability facing the world.
“Whilst we may not all have a shared history, we have common ambitions for a better future -– working together to build resilience and respond to global challenges,” the monarch said in a speech recorded at Windsor Castle in February.
“Our diversity means that these challenges affect us all differently and that we experience their impacts in different ways,” he said.
With roots dating back to 1949, the Commonwealth comprises predominantly former British colonies spread across Africa, the Americas, and Asia, accounting for one-third of the world’s population within its 56 member states.