King Charles III has said he will continue to serve "to the best of his ability" after being diagnosed with cancer, saying he was "deeply touched" by people's wishes for his recovery, the BBC reported.
The 75-year-old monarch, who became king in September 2022 after the death of his mother Elizabeth II, was admitted for surgery for a benign prostate condition in January but was subsequently diagnosed with cancer.
He has put all public engagements on hold while he undergoes treatment, but continues to work behind the scenes and hold some private meetings.
"In recent weeks I have been deeply touched by your wonderful, kind and good wishes for my health," he said in a pre-recorded speech to mark the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth.
"In return I can only continue to serve you to the best of my ability throughout the Commonwealth," he added.
Charles' wife, Queen Camilla, 76, and son Prince William, 41, have taken on most of the royal family's duties in his absence.
William's wife, Princess Kate, 42, has also been absent from public life after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.
In his speech, Charles praised the diversity of the Commonwealth and called on member states to work together to tackle the climate and economic challenges facing the world.
"While we may not all share a common history, we have common ambitions for a better future - working together to build resilience and meet global challenges," the monarch said in a speech recorded at Windsor Castle in February.
"Our diversity means that these challenges affect us differently and that we experience their impact in different ways," he added.
The Commonwealth, established in 1949, is home to a third of the world's population, with the majority of its 56 member states being former British colonies in Africa, the Americas and Asia. /BGNES
