Your kind thoughts are the greatest comfort

KING'S MOVING PALACE MESSAGE TO THE NATION

- RUSSELL MYERS

THE King last night sent his "most heartfelt thanks" to the nation for its messages of support as he battles cancer, saying they have given him "the greatest comfort".

In a personal and candid statement issued by Buckingham Palace, Charles said his illness had led to the growth of his own "lifelong admiration" for organisations like the NHS and charities that help thousands fight the disease.

The 75-year-old also said he was "heartened" that sharing his plight had helped promote "public understanding" of the illness-referencing the surge in online searches for NHS information about cancer and its symptoms.

Royal sources said last night that His Majesty is "doing well" and expected to attend church at Sandringham today.

He is understood to be focusing on resting in preparation for more treatment while recuperating at his estate in Norfolk. His condition was discovered during surgery at the London Clinic for an enlarged prostate last month, which led to the discovery of a "form of cancer" described as a "separate issue". The King has begun "regular treatments" which started last Monday and postponed public duties, although he intends to keep up his weekly audiences with the Prime Minister.