King Charles vows to ‘continue to serve you, to the best of my ability’ amid cancer battle in heartfelt speech to mark Commonwealth Day

The King has thanked people for their ‘wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes’ over his cancer diagnosis in a video address to be played at Westminster Abbey today to mark Commonwealth Day.

Charles, who followed in his late mother’s footsteps as head of the ‘family of nations’, is unable to attend this year’s celebration marking the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth due to his diagnosis and ongoing treatment.

But in a royal first he has recorded an address that will be played to the congregation, reflecting on the journey the Commonwealth has made since its inception in 1949.

In his absence the family will be led by his wife the Queen, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, and an extended roster of royals including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.

The King’s video was filmed last month at Windsor Castle, one of the places where His Majesty has been recuperating.

He refers to the origins of the Commonwealth in the network of countries that once formed the British Empire, saying: ‘The 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth is a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey our unique family of free and independent nations has made since 1949.

‘Last year, the Bahamas celebrated its 50th anniversary of Independence, as Grenada has this year, and Papua New Guinea will next year.

‘Each of these milestones – and many others like them – represent the fulfilment of countless aspirations and the achievement of such remarkable potential.

‘And the Commonwealth’s growth, with new members continuing to join our family of nations, demonstrates clearly that whilst we may not all have a shared history, we have common ambitions for a better future – working together to build resilience and respond to global challenges.’