King Charles
King Charles Says He Has Been ‘Reduced to Tears’ Over Response to His Cancer Diagnosis in Vulnerable Moment
The King held his first in-person meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after working behind the scenes in recent weeks since sharing his cancer diagnosis.
The King, 75, who is being treated for cancer, met with U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday afternoon at Buckingham Palace.
His face-to-face audience was the first since the monarch revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
Despite his cancer, which was detected when he was being treated for a benign enlarged prostate, King Charles has been continuing with his affairs of state — but largely behind the scenes.
Two weeks ago, the King and Sunak exchanged a phone call, which was more of a catch-up than the formal audience that the monarch and prime minister traditionally hold weekly.
On Wednesday, that changed with the release of photographs and video footage of King Charles’ meeting with Sunak.
Sunak said it was “wonderful” to see King Charles looking so well, to which the monarch quipped, “It’s all done with mirrors.”
The prime minister then said, “Well, we’re all behind you. The country’s behind you.”
The King said, “I’ve had so many wonderful messages and cards. It’s reduced me to tears most of the time.”
The prime minister and monarch also talked about how the King’s cancer news has put a spotlight on many vital cancer charities.
“I hear there’s been a lot more attention and interest on those main, wonderful cancer charities, many of which I’ve been patron for years,” the King said with a laugh.
“They do incredible work up and down the country,” Sunak replied.
“They do, they do,” the King agreed.
King Charles has largely been staying on the royal family’s Sandringham estate since the palace revealed on Feb. 5 that he had been diagnosed with cancer. However, he has traveled to London for treatment as well as meetings with palace staff.
