King Charles III said on Monday he would continue to serve “to the best of my ability” following a cancer diagnosis and said he was “deeply moved” by people’s well-wishes for his health.

The 75-year-old monarch, who takes the throne in September 2022 after the death of his mother Elizabeth II, was hospitalized for surgery in January for a benign prostate condition but was later diagnosed with an unrelated cancer.

While undergoing treatment, he postponed all public-facing duties but continued to work behind the scenes and held some in-person meetings.

“I have been deeply touched by the very kind and thoughtful well wishes you have expressed for my health in recent weeks,” he said in a pre-recorded speech to mark the Commonwealth’s 75th anniversary.

“In return, I can only continue to serve you to the best of my ability across the Commonwealth.”

King Charles’ wife, Queen Camilla, 76, and son Prince William, 41, have taken on most royal duties in his absence.

Prince William’s wife, Kate, 42, has also been absent from public life since undergoing abdominal surgery in January.

In his speech, King Charles praised the diversity of the Commonwealth and urged member states to work together to overcome the climate and economic challenges facing the world.

“While we may not all share a shared history, we share a common ambition for a better future – working together to build resilience and tackle global challenges,” the Queen said in a speech recorded at Windsor Castle in February.

“Our diversity means these challenges affect us all differently, and we experience their impact in different ways,” he said.

Founded in 1949, the Commonwealth is home to one-third of the world’s population, and most of its 56 member states are former British colonies in Africa, America and Asia.

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