The king's 'dear cousin and friend', Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia, reveals he 'only recently defeated prostate cancer', while admitting Charles' 'openness has encouraged him to speak out too'

Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia has revealed he 'only recently defeated prostate cancer' after admitting he was encouraged to speak out by King Charles' 'openness'.

In a shocking statement, the 78-year-old, a cousin of the British monarch, 75, revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December last year.

He previously kept his battle with the disease a secret, but Charles' 'openness' about his own cancer diagnosis inspired him to speak out.

The 78-year-old said he was 'terrified' at the time he was diagnosed, but the support from family and friends helped him get through the struggle. Alexander has now received the 'all clear' from doctors.

He concluded the message by sending well wishes to his “dear friend and cousin” Charles and expressed his “high expectations” that the monarch will also be “triumphant” in his recovery.

Alexander began the statement by expressing his deep concern for Charles, saying, “[I am] moved by his courage, despite the illness, sharing his personal health condition with his people, I send the following message of support, but also of understanding and compassion.

“The love of all of us who know him, and of his people, we care deeply for him, will sustain His Majesty to persevere and win this most important battle. “The news that this is in the early stages is encouraging,” he continued.

'You don't want to hear the unfortunate news about cancer. And I can say it personally because I know very well how you feel once you hear it.

'How frightening and terrifying it is for the family, how all the feelings are mixed and how you can't think of anything else.'

Alexander then talked about his personal experience with the disease. He said: 'I can say it now because I only recently beat cancer.

“I had avoided talking about it because it is a personal matter that only affects me and my family, but King Charles' openness moved me and encouraged me to talk about it too.”

“I'm sharing this now because this kind of tragic news can encourage people to respond and take care of their health,” Alexander continued.

'The statistics already show that after we heard about His Majesty's previous condition with the prostate, the number of check-ups in Britain increased sharply.

“That's why people need to hear my story, to see that it's something that can happen to any of us. But if we are responsible, the outcome can be good.

'In December last year I found out that I had early-stage prostate cancer. The year before I was at my regular check-up, the doctors performed an MRI examination and saw something suspicious. They did a biopsy and then everything was fine.

Alexander continues: 'A year later an MRI scan, although I had no problems with it, again showed worrying images, but this time the biopsy results showed the word we all fear.

'At that moment I was terrified. But I wasn't the only one. I'm not talking about family and friends who knew this and shared their support, which meant so much and cannot be described in words, but also about all the other people who are fighting this disease.

“Then I strictly listened to the doctor's orders, did all the necessary tests before the intervention, had surgery, did all the mandatory checks after the operation and finally received the most joyful words from my doctor: “Everything is clear now”.

“I strictly intend to continue regular doctor checkups in the future. I appeal to everyone to follow suit and do the same.

'Be responsible for yourself, listen to the doctor's advice and look after your health, preserve it and cherish it as the greatest wealth and gift you will ever receive.'

Alexander concluded the message by saying: “I hope with all my heart that His Majesty the King, my dear friend and cousin, will also be victorious.”

Alexander was born in exile in London's Claridge's hotel, which was temporarily declared Yugoslavia for a day in 1945 to avoid succession laws that required future kings to be born on home soil.

But in 2001, after the Yugoslav wars, he moved 'home'. He is a good friend of King Charles.

It comes after a smiling King Charles left Clarence House following a 'brief' meeting with Prince Harry – with the monarch returning to Sandringham after his initial treatment for cancer.

Charles and Queen Camilla were seen waving to the crowd as they left the royal residence in the back of an official car. It is believed they will head to Norfolk by helicopter.

It comes after the monarch had a brief meeting with the Duke of Sussex, who rushed to Britain after an event 11-hour British Airways flight from California – where his wife Meghan Markle and children, Archie and Lilibet, are left behind.

The Duke of Sussex was spotted in the back of a Range Rover driving in a large convoy through the gates of Clarence House, where 75-year-old Charles is said to be 'in good form' after treatment earlier today for an unspecified cancer.

It is not known whether Harry will remain in central London or stay in Windsor, most likely at Frogmore Cottage – which he and Meghan vacated last June.

Experts have said they hope Harry's trip is the 'sign of a truce' with Charles, but… there remains little sign of rapprochement with his brother William – with a source close to the Prince of Wales saying there were 'no plans' for a meeting.

The source told The Mirror: 'The prince mainly focuses on his wife, who is recovering from an operation, his three children and now his father. There are no plans for Harry's visit to serve as any kind of vehicle for reconciliation.”

Charles is now said to be 'in good shape' and in regular contact with his relatives.

“He is in his usual good form in every respect, just a little frustrated as his condition has affected not only his own plans but those of others,” a palace source told the Telegraph.

Harry left LAX for London last night after Charles personally called him to tell him the devastating news.

A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the British Royal Family was spotted arriving at LAX's VIP terminal last night, boarding the earliest flight so he could get to London by lunchtime.

Harry was accompanied by police security, despite his ongoing row with the Home Office.

Daily Mail Diary editor Richard Eden tweeted today: 'Following his 5,000 mile flight from Los Angeles, #PrinceHarry is said to have had a brief meeting with #KingCharles before His Majesty departed for his Norfolk retreat, Sandringham. It will be interesting to see how long Harry stays in this country.'

Earlier, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said it was important for the duke to show solidarity with his father.

“I am sure Harry will now put the past aside for this serious issue,” he said. “It's so important that everyone is moving in the right direction.”

Kristina Kyriacou, the king's former press secretary, said: 'Charles loves Harry. He didn't want this alienation.

“If bad news comes with good news and Harry and the king, the queen and his brother are reunited, how wonderful.”

In Spare, Harry had revealed that Charles had urged his warring sons, “Please, boys, don't make my last years a misery.”

Harry's journey could have been motivated by that plea. The Prince flew into London's Heathrow Airport on a scheduled British Airways flight from Los Angeles before being picked up by a black Range Rover.