King Charles has opened up about his personal cancer journey during a heartfelt speech at the Community Based Cancer Support Reception hosted at the palace.
The monarch, alongside Queen Camilla, welcomed guests to raise awareness around cancer and thank those who support patients across the UK.
In a moving address, the King spoke candidly about his own experience with the disease, offering a rare glimpse into his health struggles since his diagnosis.
The royal couple used the occasion to express gratitude to healthcare professionals, volunteers, and researchers who provide care to cancer patients.
King Charles has opened up about his personal cancer journey during a heartfelt speech at the Community Based Cancer Support Reception hosted at the palace.
Getty / Buckingham Palace
Charles highlighted the statistic that 390,000 people receive new cancer diagnoses in the UK annually, equating to over 1,000 new cases every day.
The reception brought together representatives from various cancer support organisations that the King and Queen have supported throughout the years.
Speaking about his own diagnosis, the King said: “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.”
He reflected on how his personal journey has deepened his appreciation for the “extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals” present at the reception.
King Charles has issued a message about living with cancer.
Buckingham Palace
The monarch observed that “the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”
Charles also spoke about the profound impact of human connection during cancer treatment, describing the “careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer, or the shared experience in a support group.”
These moments, he suggested, create what he called a “community of care” that sustains patients through difficult times.
The King expressed his family’s “deepest admiration and gratitude” to all those involved in cancer care and research and praised healthcare professionals providing specialist treatment to patients across the country.
The monarch observed that “the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”
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Charles noted that while each patient’s journey differs, these support networks ensure no one faces cancer without hope.
In a particularly moving moment, the King addressed those receiving cancer diagnoses now or in the future.
He chose to echo the inspiring words of the late Dame Deborah James, whose parents were present at the reception.
“Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope,” Charles quoted.
Dame Deborah’s example, he noted, “stands as an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health.”
His speech concluded with a simple but heartfelt expression of gratitude: “I am so very grateful for all that you do.”
