Buckingham palace announced earlier today that the King would address the nation about his cancer journey, in a rare update.
The speech was broadcast as part of this year’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign, run by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.
The national address was recorded just two weeks ago at his residence, Clarence House, and the monarch opened up about his cancer battle – and issued a rare update.
But it’s not the first time he has done so.
“The darkest moments”
The King’s main approach to his cancer battle so far has been to keep working as normal, having taken several overseas trips this year.
The broadcast this evening (December 12) was presented by celebrities including Davina McCall, Adam Hills and Clare Balding – some of which have also battled cancer.
McCall, who has recently underwent treatment for a brain tumor, said: “I want to take the fear out of cancer screening and show everyone that they are not on their own in this.”
King Charles has previously spoken about how ‘daunting’ and ‘frightening’ a check or screening could be, but has urged the importance of such.
As he previously praised those who care for cancer patients, the monarch added: “The darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”
The palace has never revealed what kind of cancer the King has, or what treatment he has received.
But it is known that his cancer was discovered after a prostate procedure.
Prince William opens up
His son, Prince William, recently opened up about the ‘dark time’ his family had faced in recent years.
Because, of course, the King isn’t the only royal who has battled cancer.
Kate Middleton also announced earlier last year that she had been diagnosed with the illness, and received treatment accordingly.
Speaking at the COP30 climate summit, Prince William said: “Every family goes through difficult times and faces challenges together. How you deal with those moments makes all the difference.
“We decided to tell our children everything, both the good news and the bad. We explain to them why certain things happen and why they might feel upset.”
In an interview with Eugene Levy for Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler, he opened up further.
Speaking about his wife and father, he added: “Life is sent to test us, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.
“I’d say 2024 was the hardest year I’ve ever had.”
Speaking candidly, he continued: “Honestly? It’s been dreadful.
“From a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
He’s been ‘really ill’
Prior to King Charles’ rare cancer update this evening, Dame Joanna Lumley, a friend of the his, noted that he has been ‘really ill.’
Speaking to Saga Magazine, she revealed: “He’s exceptionally brave, because he really is ill, but practically nobody can keep up with him.
“He packs so much into every day, he walks faster than anybody I’ve ever met – he’s incredible.”
Speaking about his cancer journey this evening, King Charles was extremely candid.
He has given an update on his cancer treatment in a televised speech.
The King said: “I know from my own experience that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming.
“But I have also learned something that troubles me deeply – at least nine million people in our country are not up to date with the cancer screenings available to them.”
He added: “Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.
“Indeed, today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders,’ my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year.
“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years.”
