King Charles has extended his heartfelt condolences to the people of Myanmar following the devastating earthquake that recently struck the region.

The Monarch, currently recuperating after a short hospital visit related to side effects from his cancer treatment, is said to be resting at his Highgrove Estate in Gloucestershire.

Charles’s message

A statement posted on the official social media accounts of the King and Queen conveyed his sorrow:

“To the people of Myanmar. My wife and I were most dreadfully shocked and saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, with its tragic loss of life and appalling damage to homes, buildings and livelihoods, not to mention the destruction of sacred pagodas, monasteries and other places of worship.

“I know that the people of Myanmar continue to endure so much hardship and tragedy in your lives, and I have long admired your extraordinary resilience and spirit.

“At this most difficult and heartbreaking of times, my wife and I send our deepest possible sympathy to all those who have suffered the profound tragedy of losing their loved ones, their homes and their precious livelihoods.”

The King’s recent hospital visit

On Thursday, Buckingham Palace shared that the King had made a brief hospital visit due to side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment. As a result, he had to cancel all planned appearances in Birmingham scheduled for Friday.

Despite the circumstances, King Charles appeared in good spirits on Friday morning as he was seen leaving Clarence House, smiling and waving to gathered well-wishers, reportedly en route to his residence in Highgrove.

Shortly before his departure, Princess Anne was spotted leaving Clarence House in her Bentley, having stopped by to visit her brother during his recovery.