King Charles sparked fresh health concerns after a video message he filmed to celebrate Commonwealth Day was shared on social media earlier this week.
Monday (March 11) saw Queen Camilla lead the royal family at the Commonwealth Day service. However, due to his cancer diagnosis, King Charles wasn’t in attendance.
Prince William attended the event – held at Westminster Abbey in London – alongside Camilla, but without his wife, the Princess of Wales. She has been excused from royal duties as she recovers from abdominal surgery.
King Charles assures ‘I’ll continue to serve to the best of my ability’
ITV royal editor Chris Ship was among those sharing a picture from the video ahead of the service. It was played in full during the BBC coverage of Commonwealth Day. King Charles was seeing delivering the message while sitting at his desk, wearing a dark blue suit.
Sharing the snap, Chris said: “Monday 11 March is Commonwealth Day but both the King and Kate will be missing for the annual service at @wabbey. King Charles has instead recorded a video message to be played to all 56 Commonwealth countries: I will ‘continue to serve you, to the best of my ability’ he says,” said Ship.
In the message, the monarch said: “Having recently celebrated my own 75 birthday, 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.
“In recent weeks, 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.
Cancer treatment is rough. Godspeed.
“My belief in our shared endeavours and in the potential of our people remains as sure and strong as it has ever been. I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey.”
Monday 11 March is Commonwealth Day but both the King and Kate will be missing for the annual service at @wabbey.
King Charles has instead recorded a video message to be played to all 56 Commonwealth countries:
I will “continue to serve you, to the best of my ability” he says. pic.twitter.com/fhjUQgJdgN— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) March 11, 2024
King Charles sparks fresh health fears
Royal fans flooded the tweet with replies, with many commenting on how “unwell” King Charles looks.
“He looks so unwell,” said one concerned well-wisher. Another added: “Oh my word I’ve never seen him look this unwell.” A third commented: “He does not look well.” “He looks awful,” said another. “His lips look red and blistered. Poor Charles!” said another.
Others rallied round and sent their best wishes to the King. “Thank you King Charles. Cancer treatment is rough. Godspeed,” said one.
Another added: “For those commenting, cancer treatment is hard on the system… takes a lot out of you when going through treatment. Once the treatment is over and the cancer stopped, he will look much better.”
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Kate’s photo editing apology
The Commonwealth Day service came as the Princess of Wales was forced to issue an apology over the Mother’s Day photo of Kate and her kids released by Kensington Palace over the weekend.
Kate was seen in the picture with children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince George. However, far from the picture being celebrated as an adorable family photo, several editing “fails” were picked up.
This led to an unprecedented statement from the Princess of Wales. In it, she apologised for “confusion caused”.
Read more: Princess of Wales urged to act over edited Mother’s Day picture: ‘Only way to close it down’
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