YOUR MESSAGES HAVE GIVEN ME THE 'GREATEST COMFORT'

King's heartfelt thanks for nation's outpouring of support

- Tony Whitfield

• Charles praises cancer teams in his first public statement

THE KING expressed his “most heartfelt thanks” to the nation last night for the thousands of get-well messages he has received since his cancer diagnosis.

In his first personal statement about his illness, he said the outpouring of support had given him “the greatest comfort and encouragement”.

And he revealed his own experience in facing up to the cruel disease had deepened his “lifelong admiration” for health workers and cancer charities.

His Majesty also told how he was heartened to learn his decision to go public about his plight had triggered an upsurge in awareness about the symptoms and warning signs. The 75-year-old monarch’s words of gratitude suggest he has been given a massive boost since news of his condition was announced last Monday.