Britain's King Charles has released his first message since being diagnosed with cancer, thanking everyone for their support. The 75-year-old king expressed his gratitude, saying, "I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days."

Earlier this week, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles, who has been on the throne for less than 18 months, had been diagnosed with cancer.

Some of his upcoming engagements will be postponed as he undergoes treatment. "As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement," the king added.

He also mentioned that he was touched by how his diagnosis had brought attention to organizations that assist cancer patients in Britain and beyond.

King Charles recently spent three nights in the hospital in January for a corrective procedure related to a benign enlarged prostate.

Read more: Concerns mount as King Charles' health takes a worrisome turn

Expressing his appreciation for the medical professionals and cancer charities, King Charles stated, “My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”

While Buckingham Palace has not disclosed specifics about his condition other than confirming it's not prostate cancer, they stated that King Charles remains optimistic and is eager to resume his public duties soon. His wife, Queen Camilla, assured the public that he is doing “extremely well.”

With the king undergoing treatment and Prince William's wife, Kate, recovering from abdominal surgery, the other royals, particularly William and Camilla, are taking on more public roles.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has mentioned that the condition was detected early, which is encouraging news.

King Charles's diagnosis comes just over a year after he ascended the throne following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Despite generally good health, the king has faced injuries from sports like polo and skiing.

Prince Harry, King Charles's estranged younger son, flew back to Britain to visit him, adding to the week's events. The two had a 45-minute meeting at Charles's residence before Harry returned to the United States.