Hollywood actor and comedian Stephen Fry has praised the British ruler, King Charles III, for disclosing his cancer diagnosis to the public.
Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that the king is currently undergoing “regular treatments” following a recent cancer diagnosis.
The 75-year-old Monarch was discharged from the hospital a week ago after treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The 66-year-old, who was also diagnosed with prostrate cancer in 2018, stated on Thursday that the king’s “very swift modernising” of the British Kingdom includes “an openness about something as personal and indelicate as a cancer”.
“I am anxious, of course – anxious for his wellbeing, and anxious that, having sort of been in the wings all this time and to have such a short time on centre stage, if he were to be seriously ill, would be really, really sad, because he has a lot to do and a lot he wants to do.
“I think what he wants to do is good, is beneficial for the country and for the people he’s there to help.”
The President of the United States Joe Biden, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and other world leaders have sent in messages and prayers for the King’s speedy recovery.
The Palace revealed that King Charles has “commenced a schedule of regular treatments” and, following doctors’ advice, will not be making public appearances until further notice. However, he will continue with other official duties at the Palace.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their 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,” the statement said.
The actor and former QI host further stressed the importance of patients of the disease voicing out, “Cancer is sort of mushroom-like – in the dark it grows.
“It’s more dangerous when not exposed to the light. “It’s a bit like the Voldemort principle in the Harry Potter books – if you’re afraid to say the name then the name has more power over you.”