BEST wishes on behalf of Somerset residents have been sent to King Charles after the revelation that he had been diagnosed with cancer.

The county’s Lord Lieutenant Mohammed Saddiq expressed his ‘complete support’ for the Royal family ‘at this difficult time’.

Mr Saddiq was speaking after the Buckingham Palace announcement that the 75-year-old King had been found to have a form of cancer.

The Palace has not given any details of the type of cancer but said the King was now postponing public engagements ‘to allow for a period of private recuperation’.

It said the cancer was found when the King was treated recently for a benign enlarged prostate and that he had already started to receive treatment as an outpatient for the ‘separate issue of concern’.

Mr Saddiq, who is the monarch’s representative in Somerset, said: “There are families all around the globe who know what it is like to suddenly get a cancer diagnosis.

“His Majesty The King has made it clear in his public statement that he wanted to share his diagnosis to assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.

“And as patron of a number of cancer-related charities, he will know how important public awareness is.

“On behalf of everybody in Somerset, we send our best wishes to His Majesty and the entire Royal Family for a speedy and full recovery.”