King Charles extends heartfelt message to Myanmar in first message after hospitalisation

King Charles III has issued his first public statement since being hospitalised due to temporary side effects from his cancer treatment. In a heartfelt message, the monarch extended his condolences to the people of Myanmar after a devastating earthquake claimed the lives of at least 1,000 people.
The King extended his sorrow over the destruction caused by the disaster via his official Instagram stories on Saturday, “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.”

The 76 year old royal also acknowledged the hardships faced by the people of Myanmar, and praised their resilience and strength.
“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,” he added.
The King concluded his message by offering his “deepest possible sympathy to all those who have suffered the profound tragedy of losing their loved ones, their homes and their precious livelihoods.”
His statement comes just two days after Buckingham Palace confirmed he had been hospitalised following ongoing medical treatment for cancer.
A palace spokesperson told The Sun that the King had experienced “temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital.” As a result, his scheduled engagements were postponed.
Although he has since returned to his London residence, Clarence House, all of his Friday engagements were rescheduled “as a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice” Page Six reported.
“His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result,” the palace statement added.
King Charles was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024 following surgery for a benign prostate enlargement. However, Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer he is battling.