King Charles's goddaughter India Hicks sends her 'thoughts and prayers' to the monarch after his cancer diagnosis

The Bahamas-based designer, 56, posted a heartwarming tribute on InstagramREAD MORE: The King is said to be grateful his cancer was 'caught very early' and his prognosis is good

King Charles’s goddaughter has sent her ‘thoughts and prayers’ to her godfather following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis.

India Hicks, the daughter of Pamela Hicks who splits her time between the Bahamas and the UK, posted a childhood photo on Instagram to send a message to the monarch who begun cancer treatment yesterday.

In the photo, which is not dated, designer India appears to be around eight-to-10-years-old and is beaming on what looks like some decking outsiede a house. Meanwhile her godfather Charles, who is a young man, is a paternal figure who has his hands on her shoulders.

The King, now 74, was diagnosed with cancer after an ‘issue of concern’ was spotted during a routine procedure he had to treat an enlarged prostate last month.

Buckingham Palace released a statement on Monday evening confirming the King has begun treatment for cancer – the exact nature of which has not been specified – as an outpatient.

King Charles’s goddaughter India Hicks, 56, has paid tribute to the monarch on Instagram as she sends her ‘thoughts and prayers’ to him following his cancer diagnosis

India, 56, is the daughter of Lady Pamela Hicks and the 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-years-old, India was also a bridesmaid at Charles and Diana’s wedding in 1981.

She was not invited to King Charles’s Coronation in May 2023, but arrived in London for the celebrations nonetheless.

India, who is based between the Bahamas and the UK, has long praised her godfather as ‘considerate’, ‘patient’ and noble

King Charles pictured on Sunday, the day before he began cancer treatment, walking to St Mry Magdalene Church in Sandringham with Queen Camilla

At the time, she shared a previously unseen photo of her godfather on Instagram and said he was ‘considerate’ in nature.

She wrote: ‘Talking on telly today about @princestrust, the remarkable man behind it, and a very considerate, 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’s invitations to the coronation which are based on ‘meritocracy’ as she failed to make the list.

During a TV appearance on an Australian channel, where she commentated on the Coronation, donned a chic cream dress and a matching tweed jacket from Nina Morris as she chatted to the channel about preparations in place for the coronation weekend.

On her jacket, she wore a gold brooch with a diamond, which she revealed belonged to her mother.

She also posted a video of horses and a carriage travelling through a street in Westminster and joked: ‘The traffic’s been interesting.’

Buckingham Palace announced on Monday evening that King Charles is undergoing cancer treatment in a statement.

It read: ‘During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.

Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.

The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.

His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.’