King Charles’ goddaughter has sent her “thoughts and prayers” to her godfather following the announcement of her cancer diagnosis.
India Hicks, Pamela Hicks’ daughter who divides her time between the Bahamas and the United Kingdom, posted a photo of her childhood on Instagram to send a message to the monarch who began cancer treatment yesterday.
In the undated photo, the Indian designer appears to be between eight and 10 years old and is radiant on what appears to be a terrace outside a house. Meanwhile her godfather Charles, who is a young man, is a father figure who has his hands on her shoulders.
The King, now 74, was diagnosed with cancer after a “concerning issue” was detected during a routine procedure to treat an enlarged prostate last month.
Buckingham Palace issued a statement on Monday afternoon confirming that the King has begun treatment for cancer, the exact nature of which has not been specified, on an outpatient basis.
King Charles’ goddaughter India Hicks, 56, paid tribute to the monarch on Instagram as she sends him her “thoughts and prayers” following his cancer diagnosis.
India, 56, is the daughter of Lady Pamela Hicks and granddaughter of Louis and Edwina Mountbatten.
Both India and her mother have been present at numerous royal events over the years, including Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.
When she was 12, India was also a bridesmaid at Charles and Diana’s wedding in 1981.
She was not invited to King Charles’ coronation in May 2023, but still arrived in London for the celebrations.
India, who is based between the Bahamas and the United Kingdom, has long praised his godfather as “considerate,” “patient” and noble.
King Charles pictured on Sunday, the day before starting cancer treatment, walking towards St Madeleine’s Church in Sandringham with Queen Camilla.
At the time, he shared a never-before-seen photo of his godfather on Instagram and said he was “considerate” in nature.
She wrote: “Talking on TV today about @princestrust, the extraordinary man behind this, and a very thoughtful and very patient godfather (with an annoying five year old India).”
Her visit to the UK came after she posted a photo of herself on Instagram with a caption praising King Charles’ coronation invitations being based on “meritocracy” as she failed to make the list.
During a television appearance on an Australian channel, where she commented on the Coronation, she donned an elegant cream dress and matching tweed jacket by Nina Morris as she chatted with the channel about preparations for the coronation weekend.
On her jacket she wore a gold brooch with a diamond, which she revealed belonged to her mother.
He also posted a video of horses and a carriage traveling down a Westminster street and joked: “The traffic has been interesting.”
Buckingham Palace announced in a statement Monday evening that King Charles is receiving treatment for cancer.
It said: ‘During the King’s recent hospital procedure for a benign enlarged prostate, another issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
Her Majesty began a regular treatment program today, during which time doctors have advised her to postpone her public duties.
Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to carry out the affairs of State and official procedures normally.
The King thanks his medical team for the quick intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains entirely positive about his treatment and hopes to return to full public duties as soon as possible.
Her Majesty has decided to share her diagnosis to avoid speculation and in the hope that it can contribute to public understanding of all those around the world affected by cancer.’