King Charles reflects on 'darkest moments' of cancer diagnosis
Britain鈥檚 King Charles opened up about his cancer diagnosis on Wednesday, saying it can be a 鈥渄aunting鈥� and 鈥渁t times frightening鈥� experience for those living with the illness.
Video below: King Charles makes his first overseas trip after brief hospitalization
In a message shared at a reception in Buckingham Palace for cancer support charities, Charles said despite the fears that cancer can bring, it can illuminate the best of humanity.
鈥淎s 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,鈥� Charles said.
Having the disease 鈥渉as certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organizations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years,鈥� he added.
In addition to this, 鈥渋t has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits - that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion,鈥� the monarch added.
The King was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier last year, which caused him to briefly step back from public-facing duties before returning to them a few months later in April 2024.
When he was diagnosed, Charles said that he was 鈥渞educed to tears鈥� after thousands of people sent him messages of support. 鈥淪uch kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement,鈥� he said at the time.
The Royal Family have long-standing relationships with cancer support charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, of which Charles is the patron. His first public appearance after receiving his diagnosis was to London鈥檚 University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, where he met with patients and clinicians.
Charles鈥� daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, also announced last year that she had been diagnosed with cancer, undergoing chemotherapy before revealing that she was 鈥渄oing what (she) can to stay cancer free鈥� last September.
Last month, the King 鈥渞equired a short period of observation in hospital鈥� after experiencing 鈥渢emporary side effects鈥� from a scheduled cancer treatment, though he was later said to be in good form.