King Charles III on Saturday made his first public statement since his cancer diagnosis was shared with the world last week, expressing thanks for well wishes.“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” Charles, 75, said in a message released by Buckingham Palace. “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”“It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world,” the monarch continued.