Thomas Markle sends King Charles 'all the good wishes in the world' after cancer diagnosis

Meghan Markle's estranged father Thomas wished King Charles “all the good wishes in the world” after the monarch's cancer diagnosis was revealed on Monday.

Thomas, 79, who has had health problems himself and is still recovering from a massive stroke he suffered in 2002, said: 'I would like to send my best wishes to King Charles and hope he gets better very soon. I wish him all the best wishes in the world.”

Charles, 75, was diagnosed with cancer that was discovered more than a week ago during treatment for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday. The palace confirmed it was not prostate cancer, but did not reveal any other details about the disease.

The king walked down the aisle with Meghan Markle at her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, after Thomas suffered two heart attacks on the eve of the wedding and was ordered not to fly by doctors.

He has spoken in the past of his disappointment at not being able to walk his daughter down the aisle of St George's Chapel in Windsor, but said he would be “eternally grateful” to the king if he intervened at the last minute.

Meghan Markle (left) pictured with her father in earlier years. The king walked her down the aisle at her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 after Thomas suffered two heart attacks

Thomas and his daughter Meghan have had a fraught relationship in recent years.

Mr Markle begged the Duchess of Sussex to let him see his grandchildren last September, adding that he had not seen her in five years.

Meghan's father compared himself to King Charles at the time and said they both no longer have contact with their grandchildren. “King Charles has done nothing wrong either and the children are being denied him just as much as I am,” he said.

Mr Markle last spoke out in May 2023, after Harry made a whistle-stop visit to Britain for King Charles' coronation.

The 79-year-old said he stayed up all night watching the ceremony on TV at his home in Rosarito, Mexico.

He told the Mail on Sunday that he believed 'it was for the best' that the Duchess stayed at home.

He continued: “There are too many disagreements between Meghan, Harry and the Royals. It was wonderful to see the good people of Britain welcome their new King and Queen.”

The 75-year-old monarch returned to London from Sandringham to begin his cancer treatment on Monday, Buckingham Palace confirmed.

It is not related to his recent surgery and is not prostate cancer, but doctors noticed it when he underwent his medical procedure for an enlarged prostate.

The 75-year-old monarch returned to London from Sandringham on Monday to begin his cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace confirmed

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped down from their royal duties in 2020

Thomas Markle with his daughter Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. She married into the British royal family in 2018, but resigned her position to live in Montecito, California

The king is said to have personally informed his sons Prince William and Prince Harry of his condition.

The Duke of Sussex will travel to Britain from his home in Montecito, California, in the coming days to see him, a source close to Harry said.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for a benign prostate enlargement, another area of ​​concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests 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. During this period, His Majesty will continue to conduct state affairs and official paperwork as usual.

'The King is grateful to his medical team for their quick intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.

The king is said to have personally informed his sons Prince William and Prince Harry of his condition

'He remains completely positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duties as soon as possible.

“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to avoid speculation and in the hope that it can increase public understanding for everyone around the world affected by cancer.”

The king also apologized for having to postpone his upcoming engagements.

A spokesperson added: 'Unfortunately, a number of the King's upcoming public appearances will have to be rescheduled or postponed.

“His Majesty would like to apologize to anyone who may experience disappointment or inconvenience as a result.”

Announcing that Prince Harry will visit his father, a source close to the Duke said: 'The Duke has spoken to his father about his diagnosis.

“He will travel to Britain to see His Majesty in the coming days.”