Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wished a speedy recovery to King Charles, who has been diagnosed with a form of cancer.
“I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
The Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that Charles will temporarily suspend his public engagements for treatment. Despite the challenging situation, the palace said that the 75-year-old monarch remains “wholly positive” about the situation, having just begun a series of treatments.
Charles ascended to the throne in September 2022 after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth. The recent revelation comes after a hospital stay last month for a corrective procedure related to a benign enlarged prostate, during which a separate health concern was identified. The palace confirmed that tests revealed the king is facing a “form of cancer,” with specific details not disclosed at this stage, except to clarify that it is not prostate cancer.
During this period, King Charles will continue to manage state affairs and official paperwork, while still engaging in meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Queen Camilla will also uphold her scheduled engagements.
Despite the health challenge, King Charles appeared in public on Sunday, smiling and waving during a church service with Queen Camilla. This marked his first public appearance since leaving the hospital a week ago, where both he and his daughter-in-law Kate underwent planned treatments.
While the royals typically keep health details private, King Charles has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and contribute to public understanding of cancer. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conveyed his best wishes, expressing confidence in the king’s swift recovery.
Leaders from Australia and Canada, where King Charles serves as the head of state, along with U.S. President Joe Biden, have also extended their well-wishes for a speedy recovery. Prince Harry, the king’s younger son, is expected to travel to the UK in the coming days to be with his father.
King Charles, who waited longer than any British heir to ascend the throne, faced the spotlight in his first year with the coronation, maintaining a style similar to his mother’s while incorporating his own touches. Despite recent health challenges, there is no indication that King Charles intends to abdicate, according to Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine. Seward said that the monarch may need to adopt a slower pace due to recent health issues and the mental exhaustion following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
(Inputs from Reuters)