King Charles III has turned to a Greek Orthodox monk for spiritual advice following his cancer diagnosis earlier this month, according to reports. The monarch, 75, has maintained a friendship with Archimandrite Ephraim for over 25 years, which deepened after the death of Princess Diana in 1997.
Elder Ephraim, 67, the abbot of the Vatopedi monastery on Mount Athos, confirmed the contact, stating: “We have a very good rapport.” A source close to the King said Charles has his own quarters at the monastery and has visited several times, finding solace in ancient rituals such as rising at 4am for liturgy.
Buckingham Palace announced on 5 February that the King had been diagnosed with cancer, though not of the prostate, and that he would step back from public-facing duties. The diagnosis came after treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.
Queen Camilla has continued with public engagements, and this week she will lead a service at Windsor Castle for Greece’s late King Constantine, who died last year at age 82. Constantine, a godfather to Prince William and a second cousin of King Charles, was an Olympic gold medallist in sailing before his reign was marred by political turmoil.
