King Charles III expressed gratitude to medical staff and charities supporting cancer patients during a reception at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. In a written message, he shared insights from his own experiences with cancer, although he did not provide any updates on his health condition.
The monarch announced in February 2024 that he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer and has since been receiving weekly treatments.
In his statement, King Charles noted the challenges faced by individuals receiving cancer diagnoses, emphasizing that such experiences can also highlight the best aspects of humanity. He remarked, “Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones.”
At 76 years old, the king has maintained a stoic public presence regarding his illness, avoiding extensive discussion about his condition or its implications for his reign.
During the reception, he expressed a deeper appreciation for the work done by the charities present, including Macmillan Cancer Support and a children’s hospice, which he has visited in his role as royal patron. He noted, “The darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”
Concerns about the king's health arose last month when he was briefly hospitalized due to side effects from treatment; however, the palace described this as a minor setback. He has since resumed an active schedule that includes both domestic and international engagements.
This month, King Charles and Queen Camilla traveled to Italy for a state visit, where he addressed the Italian Parliament and met with Pope Francis shortly before the pope's death.
In contrast to his reserved approach regarding his illness, his daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, publicly confirmed her own cancer diagnosis last year and shared her experience through a personal video marking the end of her chemotherapy.
King Charles concluded his message by referencing the late Deborah James, a podcaster who advocated for cancer awareness. He quoted her advice to those receiving a cancer diagnosis: “Find a life worth enjoying. Take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.”