- Written by Sean Coughlan
- royal correspondent
The King was amused to see a card showing a dog wearing a protective cone.
King Charles has been cheered up by some of the 7,000 support cards sent to him during his cancer treatment, including some with humor.
Enclosed was a card with a picture of a dog wearing a protective cone and the message: “At least you don't have to wear a cone!”
In other messages, people shared their own cancer experiences and wished the king a “speedy recovery.”
The king said that when he saw the card sent to him, he was “almost in tears.''
Palace aides said there was “frequent laughter” and dogs, in particular, kept the king entertained despite health concerns.
The sender's name has not been disclosed, but the company that made the card, Pigment, told the BBC that the card was one of its best sellers and was customized with the king's name, adding: “This made the king smile.'' I was hoping it would happen,” he said.
Some of the welcome cards were handmade.
A selection of messages of support are placed in a red box containing the king's daily papers.
“As you face your own diagnosis and treatment, I wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and sending you prayers and all good wishes for a speedy recovery.” ” one well-wisher wrote.
“Keep your chin up, keep your head up, keep a positive attitude and don't get discouraged. Trust me, it will work out, but the most important thing is your family,” said another woman.
Many of the messages are from people who are dealing with their own cancer-related concerns.
Rebecca Stead from Macmillan Cancer Support told BBC News: 'Hearing the news that you have cancer is a big moment in everyone's life and there is no right or wrong way to respond.
“It's normal to have waves of emotions, but we know that many people experience anxiety and worry.”
She says this can be about practical issues such as mortgage payments or disruption to the treatment they are receiving, and urges people to seek advice.
The king's decision to open up about his cancer has been praised for helping remove the taboo surrounding the disease.
Mr Macmillan said the king's public admission that he had cancer led to a surge in people seeking information.
Mr Macmillan's online information page received 50,000 hits on the day the King's diagnosis was announced, 40% more than usual.
The king has distanced himself from public events, but continues to carry out his duties as head of state, including regular meetings with the prime minister.
The King told the Prime Minister that he was very touched by the messages of support.
The latest photo released by Buckingham Palace was taken on Wednesday ahead of a meeting with Rishi Sunak.
When the prime minister remarked that the king looked very good, he deflected it with a joke, saying: “It's all done by the mirror.”
King, a longtime fan of The Goons who also participated in comedy shows in college, has frequently deployed humor. A student of his contemporaries said: “He's actually very shy and finds it very easy to make people laugh.”
However, in the current situation, the king was touched by handmade cards from children with the message: “Never give up. Be courageous. Don't go beyond your limits. Get well soon.” It is said that he did.
