King Charles III has addressed people around the world in a new video amid his cancer treatment.
Photo: Courtesy of The Commonwealth
Ahead of Commonwealth Day, King Charles III recorded a special message thanking well-wishers following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis while undergoing treatment. The video was played on Monday as representatives from 56 countries came together in London to mark the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth, where the British royal was notably absent due to his health. “I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth,” the king said in the video.
Celebrated under the theme “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth,” the day saw over 2,000 guests honoring the network of nations once ruled by the British Empire. While previous editions of the event have seen the royal family come out in full force, this year had an appearance from only five core members including Queen Camilla, William, Prince of Wales, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Kate, Princess of Wales also sat out the event as she undergoes recovery from a planned abdominal surgery which took place in January.
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“It warms my heart to reflect on the way the Commonwealth has been a constant throughout my own life – a precious source of strength, inspiration and pride,” King Charles continued in the video, referring to how he is as old as the institution itself. “We recognize today that our diversity is our greatest strength. The Commonwealth represents a third of humanity, from all regions of the world, with all the different experiences, knowledge, and aspirations that this brings,” he added, before going on to urge that “we must work together to understand each other’s perspectives, including the inequalities and injustices which still resonate to this day.”
As the monarch continues his treatment in line with his medical orders which advise that he must postpone public-facing duties, it is safe to say that the country will witness more of such virtual appearances.
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