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Britain’s King Charles III provided a rare update on his cancer journey in a video message Friday night, revealing that he is responding well to treatment and could be in remission in the new year.
Mr Charles, 77, described the milestone in his recovery as a “personal blessing” before praising the “remarkable advances in cancer treatment in recent years”.
“Today I can share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctor’s orders’ I will be able to shorten my own cancer treatment schedule in the new year,” the British monarch said in pre-filmed footage for Channel 4’s Stand Up to Cancer broadcast, which is partnering with the charity Cancer Research UK in its annual campaign.
Charles announced in February 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing prostate surgery.
Treatment is not yet complete, but a spokesperson for the king told CNN: “His Majesty is responding very well to treatment and doctors have advised that ongoing measures will move to a preventive phase.”
The spokesperson added: “This position will be continually monitored and reviewed to protect and prioritize his continued recovery.”
In a video message filmed at his home in Clarence House, London, in late November, Charles reflected on learning of his diagnosis. He said he knows it can be “daunting” but also knows that “early detection is key to changing the course of treatment, giving the medical team precious time and patients the precious gift of hope.”
He emphasized the importance of cancer screening programs and encouraged people to take advantage of cancer screening programs to detect the disease early, as “early diagnosis can very easily save lives.”
“We hear that people often avoid screening because they imagine it might be scary, embarrassing or uncomfortable. If they ultimately accept the invitation, they’re glad they took part,” he explained, introducing a new national screening checker available online in the UK.
“This simple tool lets you see if you’re eligible for breast, colorectal, or cervical cancer screening. It demystifies the process, answers your questions, and guides you through the important steps.”
Charles also said he was “deeply moved” by what he called a “community of care” that surrounds every patient during his cancer treatment journey.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, researchers, and charities involved in the diagnosis and treatment program, and extend my deepest condolences to the people they so devotedly care for,” he concluded.
Friday’s message is the latest example of how the British monarch has made cancer awareness a fundamental part of her public life.
His first public engagement after his diagnosis was in April last year when he visited the Macmillan Cancer Center at University College Hospital in London, where he met patients and clinicians.
The King’s outing comes as he was announced as the new patron of Cancer Research UK. He has also been a patron of Macmillan Cancer Support for almost 30 years.
He delivered a very personal message at a reception at Buckingham Palace in April praising the work of cancer charities, saying that despite the fear cancer poses, it can illuminate the best in humanity.
He has not disclosed the type of cancer he has had during his weekly outpatient treatment. A royal source told CNN at the time that the form of cancer detected was not prostate cancer, but declined to elaborate further.
A spokesperson for the monarch told CNN: “The advice from cancer experts was that, in His Majesty’s determination to support the cancer community as a whole, it was desirable for Her Majesty to speak to people affected by all forms of the disease, rather than refer to his own specific condition.”
It is not yet clear how long Charles will require treatment. That will be a matter for his medical team to determine.
Following his diagnosis last year, the king temporarily stepped back from official duties, but continued to carry out his duties. Since then, he has returned to a busy diary of engagements and trips abroad.
A spokesperson for the King told CNN: “The King is greatly comforted and encouraged by the fact that he has been able to continue to live a full and active life during his treatment, always listening to the advice of his medical team.”
“His ability to carry out all of his national duties and continue his official duties and overseas tours has greatly contributed to his positive mindset, which, as many of his family members know, is a critical part of his road to recovery.”
