(London) King Charles III promised Monday to continue to serve the citizens of Commonwealth countries “to the best of his ability”, at a time when he is being treated for cancer which has forced him to reduce his official commitments.
The 75-year-old sovereign said he was “deeply touched” by the support and encouragement he has received since the announcement of his illness. “In return, I can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth,” he added during a pre-recorded message broadcast on the occasion of the 75e Commonwealth anniversary.
Charles III, who ascended the throne in September 2022 after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, was diagnosed during a benign prostate operation last January. The nature of his cancer has not been specified.
He has since canceled all official public engagements, but continues to carry out some official functions, such as meetings with the prime minister and foreign diplomats, in person or by video conference.
His wife, Queen Consort Camilla, 76, finds herself more in the spotlight, taking on many public commitments on behalf of the royal family in the absence of Charles III.
On Monday, she and Prince William, 41, the king’s eldest son and heir to the throne, will lead the anniversary ceremonies of the Commonwealth, a political alliance bringing together 56 states, many of them former British colonies in Africa, Asia and the Americas. and who represent a third of the world’s population.
The British sovereign is the head of this institution, beloved of the former Queen Elizabeth II.
In his message, Charles III salutes the “diversity” of the Commonwealth, “its greatest strength”, according to him, to face the major current challenges, from global warming to technological developments.
“We must work together to understand our respective perspectives, including the inequalities and injustices that still resonate today,” said the monarch, at a time when the United Kingdom and the monarchy are pressed to confront their colonial past and slaver.