ARCHBISHOPS and bishops have led calls for prayer for the swift recovery of the King, who has been diagnosed with cancer.
King Charles might be postponing public-facing duties while he undergoes treatment, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday evening.
During his recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, “a separate issue of concern was noted,” the statement from the Palace said. “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a type of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of normal treatments, during which era he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this era, His Majesty will proceed to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”
The statement continued: “The King is grateful to his medical team for his or her swift intervention, which was made possible because of his recent hospital procedure. He stays wholly positive about his treatment and appears forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to stop speculation and within the hope it might assist public understanding for all those world wide who’re affected by cancer.”
No further details got of the diagnosis.
The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd Andrew John, released an announcement on Monday evening, saying that he was “deeply concerned” to listen to the news. “We wish to guarantee [the King] of our special prayers for his swift recovery to full health. His Majesty has at all times had a special relationship with the people of Wales, and I do know they may hold him and his family of their hearts and of their thoughts at the moment.”
The Archbishop of York posted on social media: “Please join me in praying for His Majesty the King and all of the Royal Family. May he and all who are suffering with cancer know the healing presence of God’s love.”
This was echoed by the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, who wrote: “Praying for His Majesty for his treatment and the Royal family as they support him.”
Other church leaders have begun posting prayers and messages of fine will on social media. The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Revd Philip North, released an announcement expressing his “shock” on the diagnosis, and offering his “prayers and best possible wishes to the King at this difficult time. We give thanks that the invention of the cancer, during recent medical treatment, has allowed swift intervention by doctors.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury is in another country, in Ukraine. Later on Monday evening, he posted a brief statement on social media: “I’m praying this evening for King and his family — for God’s comfort and strength within the weeks and months to return. I wish His Majesty a swift and full recovery.”
