By NATASHA LIVINGSTONE

FOR a nation still reeling from the news of the King’s illness, his statement yesterday came as something of a relief.

Sure, it was chiefly a note of thanks. Charles expressing gratitude for his subjects’ support. To the point, brief, polite and unadorned – exactly what we’d expect.

But ever since Monday’s shocking announcement, after which His Majesty cocooned himself away at Sandringham, there has been pretty much silence – save snippets of soothing assurances from Queen Camilla and Prince William amid busy engagements.

So to hear from the man himself yesterday brought welcome reassurance. The nation was as much grateful for his words as the King was for the ‘good wishes’.

Prayers and support from at home and from the world’s furthest corners had followed the announcement he was undergoing treatment for an unspecific form of cancer.

Hand-signed ‘Charles R’ and topped with the bold red letterhead

‘He’ll read his red boxes before his morning egg’

of Sandringham House, the note read: ‘I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days. As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.

‘It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world. My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.’

Today, the 75-year-old King will continue resting at the Norfolk estate where he has been based since leaving hospital after his prostate surgery.

In some ways it will be business as usual. He is expected to attend the morning Sunday service at St Mary Magdalene Church, where he was pictured last week with Queen Camilla, 76, a day before his cancer diagnosis was announced.

Friends of the ‘workaholic’ monarch say he will likely be indulging in two of his favourite hobbies – walking and water painting – while