Welsh leaders send King Charles 'very best wishes' following cancer diagnosis
ITV Wales reporter Gwennan Campbell brings us the latest on the reaction to the King's health announcement
Welsh public figures have been reacting to the announcement that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer.
The monarch says he remains "wholly positive" about his treatment and will "continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."
The Palace confirmed the disease, which is not prostate cancer, was discovered while the King was being treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate.
The First Minister, Mark Drakeford, wished His Majesty well, saying: "My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening.
"I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. Gwellhad buan."
Commenting on the announcement, Andrew RT Davies MS, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, said, “The whole Welsh Conservative family sends our thoughts and prayers to His Majesty The King and the entire Royal Family at this time.
“His Majesty’s decision to make his diagnosis public will raise awareness for all those affected by cancer.
“We wish His Majesty a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to public duties.”
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said, “Cancer cruelly touches the lives of so many families.
"His Majesty The King is to be commended for his openness in discussing his diagnosis. I wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
The Archbishop of Wales, The Most Reverend Andrew John, spoke to ITV Wales: "Of course our concern is for His Majesty the King and for his family at this difficult time and the sad news.
"And of course our special prayers are offered for him that he'll have a full and swift recovery.
"He's a person of great energy and positivity, and I know he will be itching to get back to his duties as soon as he possibility can."
Speaking to ITV Wales, the Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies MP, said: "I'm deeply saddened by the news of His Majesty having a cancer diagnosis.
"I know everyone in Wales will want to send him their very best wishes. I note the fact that as always he has expressed his wish to get back to work as soon as possible."
Judi Rhys, MBE, Chief Executive of Tenovus Cancer Care said: “We are saddened to hear of HM King Charles lll’s cancer diagnosis and wish him all the best with his treatment and recovery. Our thoughts are with the whole of the Royal Family including our Patron HRH The Princess Royal.
"In Wales, 120,000 people are living with cancer in Wales today and 9,000 of those will sadly die. Around half of all cancer diagnosis made this year will be at the later stages. Early detection of all cancers is the key to saving lives. The earlier we catch it the more we can successfully treat it.
"By going public with the announcement of his personal cancer story, HM is helping to raise significant awareness, and we know that will ultimately save lives. That is an amazing and courageous thing to do."
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