King Charles III's First Speech After Cancer Diagnosis: A Pledge to Serve

He echoes the formula of the coronation when he had pronounced solemn words: "I am here to serve". Now, King Charles III, in his first public speech after receiving the cancer diagnosis, feels the need to repeat those words to renew that pact with the British subjects. The sovereign commits to "continue to serve to the best of my abilities", he said in a new video message for the Commonwealth day. The video was shown to 2000 guests at Westminster Abbey. King Charles, the first speech after the cancer diagnosis This is the first speech of Charles since he was diagnosed with cancer last month, and his speech referenced the support received in the recent weeks. "Having recently celebrated my 75th birthday, it warms my heart to reflect on how the Commonwealth has been a constant in my life, a precious source of strength, inspiration, and pride", he said. "In the last few weeks, I have been deeply touched by your wonderful and kind wishes for my health and, in return, I can only continue to serve you, to the best of my abilities, throughout the Commonwealth", the British sovereign added. Despite the ongoing treatments, it is thought that Charles wants to participate in the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Samoa. The King's speech comes amid continuous speculation about Kate Middleton and the photo with her children that was retouched and then shared on social media. Four international photo agencies have raised serious doubts about the photo claiming it was manipulated. The princess this morning admitted to having retouched the photo and apologized. Last month, Kensington Palace announced that Kate Middleton had undergone abdominal surgery and would not return to her public duties before Easter. Despite clear and reasonable requests for privacy, social media was ablaze with theories about Kate's fate, prompting Kensington Palace to release a second statement on her health. "We have been very clear from the beginning that the Princess of Wales would be out of the public eye until after Easter and that Kensington Palace would provide updates only in case of significant events", the couple's representatives told the media. Therefore, King Charles's speech is precious because it offers a bit of stability during the turbulence of the Kate case.