Archbishop of York praying for King Charles after cancer diagnosis

The Archbishop of York has welcomed the King to York Minster twice since he became monarch

The Archbishop of York has called for people to pray for King Charles after it was announced the monarch had been diagnosed with a form of cancer.

The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell said the news, made public on Monday, came as "a bit of a shock for all of us".

The Archbishop played a key role in the King's coronation and has twice welcomed him to York since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

He said: "Our message is clear: 'Get well soon, Your Majesty'."

The Archbishop was one of three men involved in anointing the King with oil during his coronation at Westminster Abbey in May, in what was described as "the most solemn and sacred part of the service".

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In a statement released following the announcement from Buckingham Palace, the Archbishop said: "First of all, this is a private matter for him and his family. We don't have all the details, nor should we.

"But he is our King, someone whom we know and care for, so my response today is one of prayerful concern and hopefulness that this cancer will be treatable and that it has been diagnosed early enough for that treatment to be speedy and effective.

"I am praying for him and for the Royal Family and with them for the many other people who are receiving similar treatment both for cancer and for other illnesses.

"I hope the King will be hugely comforted by the prayers of Christian people and of other faith communities."

The type of cancer with which the King, 75, has been diagnosed has not been revealed.

However, the Palace confirmed that while it was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate, it was not prostate cancer.

The King began "regular treatments" on Monday and would postpone public duties while they continued, Buckingham Palace said.