At the end of a difficult week for King Charles III, the monarch has released a statement expressing his thanks for the support and good wishes he has received since his cancer diagnosis was made public. He also praised the work of organisations who assist in patient support.

The King will have been cheered by two further messages for him, firstly from Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, who herself is going through her own cancer fight.

This was followed by a note from Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who sent his best wishes.

His message follows a previous announcement earlier in the week issued as congratulations to the Caribbean island of Grenada who are marking their 50th anniversary of independence.

Church service

King Charles brought his challenging week to a close by attending a service in Sandringham in what was his first public outing since the announcement on Monday 5 February, that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

The 75-year-old looked in good spirits as he and his wife, Queen Camilla, walked into St Mary Magdalene church for a private service and waved to around 100 well-wishes gathered at the gates to the estate.

Statement of thanks

Twenty-four hours earlier he had sent a message in which he spoke of how the kind thoughts he had received offered him the “greatest comfort and encouragement”.

He wrote: “It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world.”

He added: “My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”

Close relationship

In what has been a troubling start to 2024 for the Royal Family, the King will have been especially moved by a note of support from Sarah Ferguson.

It is understood that Charles is very fond of the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, who revealed only last month that she has had a malignant melanoma diagnosis.

The Duchess of York said: “His Majesty is very dear to me and I think I speak for everyone when I say he is in my thoughts and prayers.”

Awkward note for Meghan

Another thoughtful message arrived for the King from Thomas Markle, for whom the then Prince Charles “stepped in” to walk his daughter Meghan down the aisle at her wedding, when marrying Prince Harry.

Mr Markle wrote: “I want to send my best wishes to King Charles and hope he gets well very soon. I wish him all the good wishes in the world.”

While that public gesture of well wishes will have been well received at the Palace, it is unlikely to have gone down well with the Duchess of Sussex who will possibly view it negatively, as she continues to be estranged from her father.

Congratulations to Grenada

A few days before his latest statement, Charles had issued a separate one, this time aimed towards an island nation that he explained holds special memories for both him and his wife, on the occasion of celebrating their 50th year as an independent country.

Grenada, he said, gave them a “warm and touching welcome” when they visited the “spice Island” five years ago. The King sent his apologies for not being able to be there in person, but his message was full of sincerity and appreciation for the way they have developed over the last half a century.

He wrote: “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.”

Setting example to world

The King spoke of how he has seen that together, the nation has risen to the most “critical challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss” by offering the world an example of “leadership, resilience and innovation.”

He went on to acknowledge how Grenada has been established as an “exemplar of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.” He added that he has always been struck by the resilience, strength of community and a shared determination to make a positive difference.

“Together, you have given life to the words of your national anthem: ‘Aspire, build, advance!’ and in this Grenadian spirit you can take the greatest pride.”

Momentous milestone

Continuing, His Majesty mentioned the remarkable contributions and triumphs of Grenada’s artists, musicians, authors, and athletes, all of whom have enjoyed such extraordinary success. He remarked that “473 to the World” was “an inspiration to us all”.

Bringing his earnest statement to a close, Charles stressed: “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!”

He said his thoughts were with everyone across Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, and all those in the Grenadian diaspora, highlighting: “one people, one family, as you celebrate everything you have achieved and all that your future holds.”

He sent heartfelt congratulations and warmest good wishes from his family and himself to everyone on the fiftieth Anniversary of the Independence of Grenada.