King Charles III Shares Tearful Reaction to Supporters Amid Cancer Battle

King Charles III is wearing his heart on his sleeve.

The monarch shared his response to seeing the outpouring of well-wishes from the public amid his battle with cancer. 

"I've had so many wonderful messages and cards," Charles told U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during their meeting on Feb. 21, as seen in a video shared by Sky News. And he noted this show of support has "reduced me to tears most of the time."

Adding to the words of encouragement, Sunak reminded the king, "We're all behind you, the country's behind you." 

The pair also highlighted how Charles making his diagnosis public has helped raise awareness for cancer-related organizations.

"I hear there's been a lot more attention and interest on those main, wonderful cancer charities," His Majesty shared , "many of which I've been patron for years." 

But amid the heartfelt conversation, they also shared a moment of levity. When Sunak expressed that it was wonderful to see the king "looking so well," Charles jokingly replied, "it's all done with mirrors."

While the king typically holds a weekly audience with the prime minister, this marked the first in-person meeting they've had since Charles' cancer diagnosis was announced on Feb. 5.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace explained the 75-year-old had been undergoing a procedure for a benign prostate enlargement at the hospital in late  January when a "separate issue of concern was noted" that was confirmed through testing to be cancer.

Days later, Charles publicly addressed his diagnosis for the first times and thanked everyone for their kind words.

"I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days," he wrote in part of a Feb. 10 statement. "As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement."

And he isn't the only one who's been moved by the support as his son Prince William, whose wife Kate Middleton underwent abdominal surgery last month, has expressed how much the well-wishes mean to the royal family.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you also for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days," the Prince of Wales said at London's Air Ambulance Charity Gala Dinner on Feb. 7. "It means a great deal to us all."

As for Charles' son Prince Harry, he made a visit to London from California in the wake of Charles' diagnosis.

"I love my family," the Duke of Sussex recently told Good Morning America. "The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I'm grateful for that."

For a recap of more royal news from this year, keep reading. 

While King Charles III was in the hospital for his benign prostate enlargement procedure, the royal family member was diagnosed with cancer.

"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," Buckingham Palace said Feb. 5. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."

The Duchess of York's rep said in a statement on Jan. 21 that Sarah was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. Several months prior, she underwent a single mastectomy to treat breast cancer.

On Jan. 14, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark made history as she officially abdicated the throne, handing the crown over to her son, now known as King Frederik the 10th. 

Kensington Palace announced on Jan. 17 that Kate Middleton underwent planned abdominal surgery and was set to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days.

"Based on the current medical advice," the Palace said, "she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

Amid Kate's recovery, Prince William postponed a number of engagements as he supported his family, including the couple's three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Shortly after Kate's hospitalization was made public, Buckingham Palace shared that Charles "has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate."

"His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure," the statement added. "The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."

Princess Claire and Prince Felix of Luxembourg welcomed son Balthazar Felix Karl on Jan. 7, the first royal baby of the New Year!