Britain’s King Charles III went to church on Sunday, his first public appearance since Buckingham Palace’s shocking declaration nearly a week ago that he has cancer.
The 75-year-old monarch was pictured entering St Mary Magdalene Church on the royal country estate of Sandringham in eastern England, where he is presently residing.
Charles nodded to the waiting journalists as he proceeded with his wife, Queen Camilla, before being received by Reverend Paul Williams, the church’s rector, and shaking hands.
The visit came after the king issued a message late Saturday expressing his “heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes” he had received since Monday’s declaration.
Charles went on to say that “such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement”.
It was his first statement since Buckingham Palace announced that he had began treatment for a “form of cancer,” but did not specify which sort.
The diagnosis was made when a “separate issue of concern was noted” and probed while he was receiving treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.
Charles has taken an indefinite leave from his public duties, although he continues to undertake administrative work behind closed doors.
His diagnosis came barely 17 months into his reign, on September 8, 2022, when his 96-year-old mother, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away.
Aside from polo and skiing accidents, he has typically been in good health.
Camilla stated on Thursday that her husband was doing “extremely well” considering the circumstances.
On Tuesday, Charles was spotted in the back of a car as he departed his London home of Clarence House for Sandringham.
He had a brief encounter with his estranged younger son, Prince Harry, who had flown in from the United States to see him after the diagnosis.