Australians send best wishes to King Charles

Anthony Albanese has led the nation’s well wishes to King Charles for a speedy recovery following his cancer diagnosis, as the future of the monarch’s trip to Australia remains under a cloud.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla leave the London Clinic last week. Picture: WireImage

Anthony Albanese has led the ­nation’s well wishes to King Charles for a speedy recovery ­following his cancer diagnosis, as the future of the monarch’s trip to Australia was thrown under a cloud.

The Prime Minister said he hoped King Charles would be fit to return to full duties soon, after Buckingham Palace announced the monarch was suffering from an unspecified “form of cancer” which was discovered during a separate procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.

The King has postponed all “public-facing duties” prompting speculation that he will not be well enough for his planned tour in Australia during a trip to the region for the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Samoa slated for October.

“Can I say that all Australians will be sending their best wishes to King Charles for a speedy recovery,” Mr Albanese said.

“This is difficult news, and we hope for King Charles … and for all of their family, all of the very best. We want to see His Majesty return to full duties as soon as possible.

“We, of course, look forward to the commonwealth heads of government meeting that will be held in our region.

“And of course, we have invited King Charles to visit Australia and we sincerely hope that is able to occur.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla at their Sandringham estate on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images.

In a rare show of solidarity on the first sitting day of the year which was dominated by stage three tax cuts, Peter Dutton joined Mr Albanese in sharing “every best wish” to King Charles describing him as a “stoic individual”.

“There’s a message that the Palace wants to get out as well and every Australian should hear that message, that is particularly for men who are reluctant to go to the doctor, make sure you go and get a check-up,” he said.

“Because early detection is important, but we send every good wish to King Charles and his family.”

Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham said news of the King’s cancer diagnosis would be a shock to many Australians

“All will want to send their best wishes and thoughts to King Charles for his treatment, and hope that his treatment is effective in enabling him to be able to resume his duties fully and continue, hopefully, a long and successful reign,” he told Sky News.

The Australian Monarchist League wished King Charles “all the best as he deals with his health prognosis” commending him for his “devotion to his duties”.

Australian Republic Movement chair Craig Foster said he wished King Charles well “irrespective” of his views that an Australian should be the nation’s head of state.

“It’s a reminder that cancer affects many Australian families and countless around the world,” he said.

“And, irrespective of our different views on Australia’s future path to full independence, I personally wish Charles a speedy recovery and his family the very best.”