King Charles has spoken publicly for the first time after Buckingham Palace revealed on Monday that the monarch was beginning treatment for cancer .

I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days, Charles said in what the palace called a thank you message released on Saturday.

As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement, the king said, adding that it was equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world.

My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience, the king said.

In the statement disclosing the kings cancer diagnosis earlier this week, the palace did not specify the type of cancer Charles had or its severity.

During The Kings recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted, the palace said in a statement shared with HuffPost at the time, adding, Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.