King Charles called it a “milestone” in his “cancer journey” and revealed he would have to scale back his treatment schedule in the new year, calling the news a “personal blessing”.
It is understood that his treatment will move into a precautionary phase and his regularity will be significantly reduced as his recovery reaches a very positive stage. His medical team will assess how long he will need treatment to protect him and prioritize his continued recovery.
In a pre-recorded video message on Friday for Channel 4's Stand Up to. Cancer In the evening, Charles spoke about how early detection has changed his own path and how early diagnosis can give “invaluable time to medical teams and their patients the precious gift of hope.”
Without revealing what type of cancer he has, Charles said: “Today I can share with you the good news that through early diagnosis, effective intervention and following ‘doctor’s orders’, my own cancer treatment schedule can be reduced in the new year.
“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testament to the remarkable advances made in cancer treatment in recent years; a testimony that I hope can encourage the 50% of us who will be diagnosed with this disease at some point in our lives.”
Speaking about the importance of early diagnosis, he said: “I also know what a difference it made in my case, allowing me to continue to lead a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment.”
But he expressed concern that at least 9 million people in the UK were not aware of the cancer screenings available to them.
So he was “encouraged” to learn about new things national screening controllerlaunched earlier this month, which shows who is eligible for existing breast, bowel and cervical cancer screening programmes.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “His Majesty has responded exceptionally well to treatment and his doctors advise that ongoing measures will now move into a precautionary phase. This position will be continually monitored and reviewed to protect and prioritize his continued recovery.”
“As the king said, this milestone in his recovery is a 'great personal blessing.'”
Charles is said to remain deeply grateful to everyone involved in patient care, particularly his medical team. “He sends his special good wishes to everyone affected by cancer and will continue to keep them and their loved ones in his thoughts and prayers,” the spokesperson said.
The King was asked to support an online screening tool and felt this was “an opportune moment to provide a summary of the positive trajectory of his own continued recovery.”
A spokesman said: “The King has taken great comfort and encouragement from being able to continue to lead a full and active life throughout his treatment, always listening to the advice of his medical team. His ability to carry out all of his public duties, as well as continue his social engagements and overseas travel, has greatly helped him with the positive attitude that many families know is such an important part of the recovery journey.”
“The advice from cancer experts is that in his bid to support the entire cancer community, it is preferable that His Majesty does not address his specific condition, but rather speaks to those who suffer from all forms of the disease.”
The king's cancer diagnosis was announced in February 2024 while he was being treated for a benign prostate enlargement, although the palace confirmed he did not have prostate cancer. His message should not be interpreted as a point of view on recent debate over a national screening program It is understood the issue is about prostate cancer and the palace consulted with the government before publishing the message.
The Prime Minister said he was “delighted” the King's cancer treatment had been reduced.
In a post on social media, Keir Starmer wrote: “A powerful message from His Majesty the King. I know I speak for the whole country when I say how pleased I am that his cancer treatment will be reduced in the New Year. Early cancer screening saves lives.”
The screening program was developed by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 for the Stand Up to Cancer campaign to help people understand which NHS cancer screening programs they are eligible for.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, of which Charles is a patron, said: “We know that when public figures talk openly about their cancer diagnosis, it can encourage others to check their health and talk to their GP if they have any concerns. We wish His Majesty well in his continued recovery.”
