THE Bishop of Hereford has said that his “prayers are with His Majesty and the royal family” after King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis.

On Monday (February 5) Buckingham Palace announced that the King had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, prompting well wishes coming in from public figures around the country.

In a statement to the Hereford Times, the Right Reverend Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford, said: “My prayers are with His Majesty and the royal family this evening. I hope he makes a full and swift recovery.”

The Bishop of Hereford played a key role in the King’s Coronation last year, accompanying Queen Camilla as a bishop assistant. He was one of several bishops taking part in the service at Westminster Abbey.

Following King Charles’ cancer diagnosis, he has begun a schedule of treatments and had postponed public duties.

An official statement from Buckingham Palace said: “During the King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual.

“The King is grateful for the swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.

“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected.”

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King Charles has had a long association with Herefordshire, and many visits to the county over the years.

His visits have not only been on official royal duties, but also through his association with the county in his role as the head of the Duchy of Cornwall estate, which owns land across the county.

Some of his most recent official visits have included the Royal National College for the Blind in December 2022, Hereford Cathedral in February 2022 and Ross-on-Wye in November 2019.