King Charles III has opened up publicly for the first time about his battle with cancer, offering a heartfelt reflection on the lessons he has learned during a special event at Buckingham Palace.
The monarch, who was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, described the experience as one that “brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity”, as he addressed guests gathered to celebrate community initiatives raising cancer awareness and supporting those affected by the disease.
“Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,” the King said. “It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening.”
The event was attended by healthcare professionals, volunteers, advocates and families affected by cancer, many of whom Charles has supported throughout his public life. He praised their efforts, noting that his own experience had reinforced a long-held belief: that compassion and connection are vital to the healing journey.
“The darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion,” he said, highlighting the roles of hospice volunteers, specialist nurses and support groups in forming what he called a “community of care”.
Charles also expressed his family’s deep gratitude to the healthcare professionals involved in cancer treatment across the UK. “They have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude,” he said. “Their care represents the very best our country can offer.”
While the King has kept the specific details of his condition private, Buckingham Palace confirmed he was hospitalised last month due to side effects from his treatment. His diagnosis came just weeks before Princess Kate, 43, revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy, sparking concern and sympathy across the nation and beyond.
Global statistics underscore the urgency of the fight against cancer: in 2022, approximately 20 million new cases were diagnosed worldwide, with 9.7 million lives lost, according to the American Cancer Society.
Concluding his remarks, King Charles shared a quote from Dame Deborah James – the beloved British journalist and campaigner who died of bowel cancer in 2022 – whose parents were in attendance at the Palace.
“‘Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope,’” he said.
Image: Sunrise
