King Charles III has shared a rare personal update regarding his cancer treatment ahead of the new year.
In a video message aired on Channel 4 on Friday, December 12, Charles, 77, opened up about his experience with an undisclosed form of cancer, nearly two years after revealing his diagnosis in February 2024.
“This is a season when our thoughts turn to celebrations with our friends and families. In the midst of this festive period, I just wanted to ask you to join me today in finding a special place in your hearts, and your minds and prayers for the hundreds of thousands of people across our United Kingdom who receive a cancer diagnosis each year — and for the millions more who love and care for them,” Charles began.
He continued, “I know from my own experience that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Yet I also know that early detection is the key that can transform treatment journeys, giving invaluable time to medical teams — and, to their patients, the precious gift of hope. These are gifts we can all help deliver.”
The monarch emphasized that “early diagnosis quite simply saves lives,” sharing an update on his own treatment journey.
“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,” he revealed. “This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years; testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the fifty per cent of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives.”
Charles noted that he’s “been profoundly moved by what I can only call the ‘community of care’ that surrounds every cancer patient,” including specialists, nurses, researchers and volunteers. He further encouraged viewers to use the new national Screening Checker available online to be proactive about their health.
“As I have observed before, the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion. But compassion must be paired with action. This December, as we gather to reflect on the year past, I pray that we can each pledge, as part of our resolutions for the year ahead, to play our part in helping to catch cancer early,” he concluded. “Your life — or the life of someone you love — may depend upon it.”
Since his condition was made public, Charles has continued to express his gratitude toward the healthcare professionals who have aided him in his journey. He has also used his condition to help spread awareness about cancer research and support for patients.
His new message was prerecorded at Clarence House just last month, Buckingham Palace shared in a statement. It is held in partnership with Stand Up To Cancer 2025, a joint venture between Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK. With the support of King Charles, both organizations are working to inform the public about early cancer screenings and the importance of early diagnosis. His announcement was followed by a live broadcast from television presenter and cancer survivor Davina McCall.
After visiting the hospital for a routine procedure in January 2024, a statement from Buckingham Palace followed just a month later, announcing his diagnosis. “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” the February 5 statement read. “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
The king has remained largely private about his treatment since the announcement early last year but has remained largely optimistic regarding his health. “I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” he shared shortly after going public with his diagnosis.
In addition to maintaining his public duties as king, the monarch has shown increasing support for cancer research organizations following his diagnosis. In September, he attended the official opening of Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, giving an update on his condition. “I’m not too bad,” he said while speaking with a patient, according to Hello! Magazine.
In October 2024, Charles paused treatment during a 10-day trip to Australia and Samoa with his wife, Queen Camilla. He resumed treatment upon his return, which continued into the new year. Just months later, he was briefly hospitalized, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace.
Charles’ diagnosis was confirmed one month before his daughter-in-law Princess Kate Middleton publicly confirmed her own cancer diagnosis. After undergoing chemotherapy treatment, she shared that she was in remission just one year later. “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery,” the caption of her January 14 Instagram post read.
