King Charles Shares Moving Message Of Solidarity With Cancer Patients
The king was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer last year.
King Charles spoke about his own experience as a cancer patient on Wednesday, during a private reception he and Queen Camilla hosted at Buckingham Palace.
The royals welcomed people working in community-based cancer organizations and initiatives, with the king personally expressing gratitude for their dedicated work.
“Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,” the king said in his speech. “But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.”
Charles, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer last year, said his experience “has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work” done by those he was hosting at the reception.
“And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits — that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion,” he said.
To those gathered on Wednesday night, the king added, “You have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude.”
He also sent out a message “to those who may be receiving such upsetting news today, tomorrow or at any point in the future.”
“I can only echo the departing words of the late Dame Deborah James, whose parents I am delighted to have with us here this evening, and whose example stands as an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health: ‘Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope,’” he said. “I am so very grateful for all that you do.”
Charles stepped back from royal responsibilities shortly after his diagnosis last February, but made his return to public duties in April 2024.
Although Charles remains occupied with work ― including international engagements ― Buckingham Palace disclosed that the monarch was briefly hospitalized in late March.
The palace said in a statement at the time that the king was canceling engagements after experiencing “temporary side effects” due to a cancer-related treatment.
“His majesty has now returned to Clarence House and as a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice, tomorrow’s diary program will also be rescheduled,” the palace said. “His majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
