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A Greek Orthodox monk has claimed that King Charles has turned to him for spiritual advice since he was diagnosed with cancer.
The 75-year-old monarch was diagnosed with shock while undergoing a recent hospital procedure for a benign enlarged prostate.
It is claimed that the king secretly contacted Archimandrite Ephraim, who was said to have been a friend for over 25 years.
The king and the abbot are understood to have become close after Princess Diana’s death in 1997.
Elder Ephraim, 67, has never spoken of his friendship with the monarch, but Sun reports that he claimed that the King contacted him after his diagnosis.
The Abbot said: ‘Charles has a spiritual sophistication, a spiritual life.
“Yes, he’s been in touch since the diagnosis and I think he’ll get over it.”
Greek Orthodox monk Archimandrite Ephraim (pictured) has claimed that King Charles has turned to him for spiritual advice since his cancer diagnosis.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla leave after attending a church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham last Sunday.
The elder claimed to have had a “very good relationship” with Charles, who is said to have visited Mount Athos several times, including eight separate visits to the abbot’s 10th-century Vatopedi monastery.
Charles reportedly has his own room at Vatopedi, which is located in the all-male Mt.
A source told the newspaper: “There are no distractions so he can meditate, pray and follow ancient rituals like getting up at 4am to follow the liturgy he absolutely adores.”
Charles’ late father, Prince Philip, was born on a kitchen table in Corfu and baptized in the Greek Orthodox church before his family fled the war-torn country when he was a baby.
The King has taken a step back from his frontline duties following his diagnosis of the disease, which was discovered while he was undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The form of cancer has not been specified, but attendees say it is not prostate; The King “continues to conduct state business and official procedures as usual” while undergoing a treatment program.
He chose to share his diagnosis “in the hope that it can help public understanding of all those around the world affected by cancer,” Buckingham Palace said.
Charles revealed to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier this week that the “wonderful messages and cards” he has received since his diagnosis “have brought me to tears”.
King Charles has visited Vatopedion Monastery on Mount Athos, Greece several times.
King Charles met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace last Wednesday, and they were seen smiling during their first face-to-face meeting since the monarch’s cancer diagnosis.
His Majesty appeared in good spirits. when he arrived for the meeting with Mr Sunak in Buckingham palace on Wednesday, in what was his first hearing of the year.
The Prime Minister told the King that it was “a pleasure to see you”, to which Charles replied: “I’m afraid there is a bit of a gap”, referring to the interruption of their weekly meetings.
Mr Sunak assured him that “we are all behind you, the country is behind you”, adding that it was “wonderful to see you doing so well”. With typical good humor of his, the king jokingly replied, “Well, actually everything is done through mirrors.”
Prior to the couple’s private discussion, the monarch also met in person with members of the Privy Council on Tuesday evening.
Charles’ deep sense of duty and strong work ethic have led him to continue working privately during treatment, but this was the first time the King was portrayed carrying out royal duties.
Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.
