'Our deepest possible sympathy': King Charles shares his first official statement since brief hospitalisation

King Charles has shared his first official statement his brief hospitalisation for side effects to his on-going cancer treatment.

Following the news of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar with a death toll of more than 1600, the monarch shared a message of condolence to those affected.

"My wife and I were most dreadfully shocked and saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, with it's tragic loss of life and appalling damage to homes, buildings and livelihoods," the statement began.

READ MORE: King seen in public for first time since his hospitalisation.

"Not to mention the destruction of sacred pagodas, monasteries and other places of worship.

"I know that the people of Myanmar continue to endure so much hardship and tragedy in your lives, and I have long admired your extraordinary resilience and spirit," His Majesty continued.

"At this most difficult and heartbreaking of times, my wife and I send our deepest possible sympathy to all those who have suffered the profound tragedy of losing their loved ones, their homes and their precious livelihoods."

Myanmar is just one of two former British colonies that did not join the commonwealth after it's independence, at the time it was still known as Burma.

The message marks Charles' first official statement since his recent hospitalisation, being seen in public for the first time just over 24-hours prior as he left his home of Clarence House in the back of a black Audi, smiling and waving to members of the public.

He was admitted to hospital after suffering "temporary side effects" during his "scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer".

READ MORE: A timeline of King Charles' cancer journey following his hospitalisation

The 76-year-old "required a short period of observation in hospital" on Thursday morning, the palace said.

As a result, the King's scheduled events for the end of the week were all cancelled as a precautionary measure.

Buckingham Palace said the decision was taken to aid the monarch's continued recovery amid his treatment for the undisclosed cancer.

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