King Charles III issues first statement since hospitalization amid cancer battle: ‘Shocked and saddened’

King Charles III issued his first statement since he was hospitalized due to temporary side effects from his cancer treatment.

The monarch addressed the people of Myanmar, Asia, Saturday after they endured a devastating earthquake that killed at least 1,000 people.

“My wife [Queen Camilla] and I were most dreadfully shocked and saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, with its tragic loss of life and appalling damage to homes, buildings and livelihoods, not to mention the destruction of sacred pagodas, monasteries and other places of worship,” he said in the statement via his Instagram Stories.

“I know that the people of Myanmar continue to endure so much hardship and tragedy in your live, and I have long admired your extraordinary resilience and spirit,” Charles, 76, continued.

The royal concluded his statement by sending his “deepest possible sympathy to all those who have suffered the profound tragedy of losing their loved ones, their homes and their precious livelihoods.”

Charles’ message comes two days after a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told the Sun the king was hospitalized following “scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer.”

“The King experienced temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital,” the Buckingham Palace rep said.

“His Majesty’s afternoon engagements were therefore postponed.”

The spokesperson shared that though Charles had already returned to his London residence, Clarence House, all of his engagements for Friday would be rescheduled “as a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice.”

“His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result,” the statement concluded.

In February 2024, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer following surgery for a benign prostate enlargement.

It’s unknown what type of cancer Charles has.