The Bishop of Chichester has encouraged people to pray for the King following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis.
Buckingham Palace confirmed yesterday that King Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer and is receiving treatment.
The disease, which is not prostate cancer, was discovered while the King was being treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate.
The bishop, The Right Reverend Martin Warner, said the King's news “brings him close to every family that lives with the uncertainty that any diagnosis brings”.
He said: “The relationship between King and nation is more enduring than the rise and fall of political parties that are elected to govern.
“The presence of the Sovereign gives a human face to our collective griefs, achievements and sense of identity.
“We also come close to the monarchy when it reflects our own experience: birth, marriage, divorce and death. And illness, which is no respecter of persons and status.
“King Charles has already exemplified this enduring relationship with us. The nation has watched him live in waiting, engaged in many areas of social enterprise.
“Giving hope to young people through the Prince’s, now the King’s, Trust and promoting attention to the environment are two prominent examples.
“The news of cancer brings him close to every family that lives with the uncertainty that any diagnosis brings.
“When Parliament meets, the business of the day begins with a prayer for the King, that, among other things, he may live long and in good health.
“I commend that prayer to those who can and do pray, and hope it will shape the thoughts and good wishes of those who do not pray.”
MPs from across the county have also offered their best wishes to the King following yesterday’s announcement.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Lewes MP and health minister Maria Caulfield said she was “wishing His Majesty the King a speedy recovery”.
Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, also took to social media to offer his prayers to the King.
“I am sure the people of Adur and Worthing join me in sending him our very best wishes for a speedy recovery,” he said.
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