Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle O'Neill and DUP deputy Emma Little-Pengelly jointly wish King Charles well after monarch diagnosed with cancer only nine months after coronation

The news came via a statement from Buckingham Palace, saying he has been advised to postpone his public duties.

His Majesty was enthroned last May 6, having automatically become King upon his mother’s death on September 8, 2022.

He is aged 75.

Among the reactions so far in Northern Ireland are the following:

• First Minister Michelle O’Neill:

“I am very sorry to hear of King Charles illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment and a full and speedy recovery.”

• Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly:

“I would like to wish His Majesty, King Charles all the the very best for his treatment. I, like many people throughout Northern Ireland, will keep him and his family in my prayers.”

• DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson:

"Sending His Majesty the King every good wish as he commences his treatment. We pray for a full and speedy recovery.”

• UUP leader Doug Beattie:

“On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I wish to offer our heart-felt wishes to His Majesty the King, on the shocking news of his cancer diagnosis.

“This is unfortunately a reality many families, right across these islands, face day and daily.

“I know that people across Northern Ireland, and indeed the world will be holding him and the Royal family in their thoughts and prayers during this very worrying time for them all.

“As a nation we join together to wish His Majesty a speedy recovery and a return to full health.”

• TUV leader Jim Allister:

“We in TUV are saddened to hear of His Majesty’s diagnosis. We trust His treatment will be successful and that He will know a full and speedy recovery. His Majesty will be in the thoughts and prayers of many across Northern Ireland this evening.”

• Alliance leader Naomi Long:

“Thoughts with King Charles and the Royal Family, as they begin to come to terms with his cancer diagnosis.

“Wishing him all the very best for the journey ahead and I hope and trust that his treatment is successful and he is soon restored to full health.”

• Alliance deputy Stephen Farry:

"Best wishes to King Charles and the rest of the Royal Family at this difficult time. They are sharing a battle and journey that so many families go through. Hoping for a full recovery.”

• SDLP leader Colum Eastwood:

“Very sorry to hear that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. It’s the kind of news that people and families dread getting.

"Thoughts are with him and his own family at what must be a difficult and distressing time. We hope he makes a full recovery.”

• Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh John McDowell:

“I was saddened to learn of the King’s diagnosis of cancer and ask that the King and his family should be remembered in public prayer and in our private devotions at what will be an anxious time for many people.

"The words ‘Long live the King’ are no empty formula or weary cliché, but are an expression of the heartfelt desire of many people across these islands and far beyond.”

• The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland:

"The thoughts and prayers of the Grand Master and Brethren of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland are with His Majesty King Charles III and his family at this time.

“All members of the Orange Family are encouraged to remember The King in prayer.”

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” – ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭

• The Royal Black Institution:

"The institution sends its best wishes to His Majesty King Charles III after his cancer diagnosis.

“We are saddened and concerned to hear the news that His Majesty is facing further health challenges.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. We send our best wishes for a full and swift recovery as he begins treatment for his condition.

“God Save The King.”