King Charles shares rare personal update amid cancer battle

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By Kim Novak

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King Charles has opened up about his personal reflections on his cancer battle in a candid post.

GettyImages-2178987252.jpgKing Charles was diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Credit: Pool / Getty

The monarch, 76, was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer after undergoing a "corrective procedure" for a benign prostate enlargement.

Buckingham Palace confirmed that it was not prostate cancer that was found but did not elaborate further, and confirmed that the King was undergoing outpatient treatment.

In a new post on the Royal Family's official website, King Charles reflected on his own experience with cancer, revealing it brought into "sharp focus the very best of humanity”, while acknowledging that a diagnosis is always "a daunting and at times frightening experience" for the patient and their loved ones.

He added that since becoming "one among those statistics [himself]" of the 390,000 people a year diagnosed with cancer, the monarch has gained an "even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals" involved in cancer care and "that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion".

GettyImages-2212157131.jpgKing Charles hosted a reception for those involved in cancer care. Credit: Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The King and Queen Camilla have worked closely with organizations supporting those living with cancer and seen the "community of care" involved, adding: "This collective endeavour reminds us of what we can achieve when we are united with common purpose and uncommon determination.

"While every patient’s journey may be different, together you are ensuring that a cancer diagnosis need never mean facing the future without hope and support."

He added: "So to all the researchers pursuing pioneering breakthroughs; to the healthcare professionals providing specialist treatment; to the volunteers offering comfort, or campaigning to raise awareness; and to the fundraisers enabling all this vital work - you have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude.

"Your commitment to early diagnosis, evermore successful therapies and truly holistic care represents the very best our country can offer."


He closed his message by writing: "And 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.'

"I am so very grateful for all that you do. Charles R."


Shortly after King Charles' diagnosis, it was also revealed that his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, was also undergoing cancer treatment.

The news was shared in March last year, with the princess undergoing treatment before being declared "cancer-free" in September after undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy.

King Charles is still undergoing treatment for his cancer, and was briefly hospitalized with side-effects from the treatment last month.

Featured image credit: Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images