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At 77, Charles expressed deep gratitude for reaching a pivotal moment in his recovery journey, calling it “a personal blessing.” He took this opportunity to commend the “remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years.”
Back in February 2024, Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis following a prostate procedure. Since then, his health journey has been closely followed by many.
Although his treatment is not yet complete, a spokesperson for the King informed CNN that “His Majesty has responded exceptionally well to treatment, and his doctors advise that ongoing measures will now enter a precautionary phase.”
The spokesperson further noted, “This position will be continuously monitored and reviewed to protect and prioritize his continued recovery.”
Reflecting on the broader implications of his experience, Charles acknowledged how overwhelming such a diagnosis can be. He emphasized that “early detection is the key that can transform treatment journeys, granting invaluable time to medical teams and, to their patients, the precious gift of hope.”
He stressed the importance of cancer screening programs and encouraged people to make use of them to catch the disease quickly because “early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.”
“This simple tool allows you to check whether you are eligible for breast, bowel or cervical cancer screening. It demystifies the process, answers your questions, and guides you towards taking that crucial step.”
Charles also said that during his own cancer journey he has been “profoundly moved” by what he called “the community of care” that surrounds every patient.
He ended his message with his “most heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, researchers and charity workers involved in diagnosis and treatment programs, together with my particular good wishes to those for whom they care so selflessly.”
Friday’s message is the latest example of how the British sovereign has made cancer awareness a fundamental part of his public facing work.
His first official engagement following his diagnosis was in April last year when he visited University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, where he met patients and clinicians.
He also sent a deeply personal message to a Buckingham Palace reception in April honoring the work of cancer charities, saying despite the fears that cancer can bring, it can illuminate the best of humanity.
Charles has been praised for his openness around his diagnosis and raising awareness around it. Caroline Geraghty, senior information nurse at Cancer Research UK, commended both Charles and his daughter-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales, for sharing their experiences with the disease.
“He’s visited hospitals, he’s seen patients, he’s visited support centers. He really has kept in touch with people,” she told CNN.
“I think he feels, and as do other people, that he’s got something in common with them. I think them telling us this also highlights the fact that anyone can get cancer. It doesn’t matter who you are.”
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King Charles has not publicly disclosed the type of cancer he has been receiving outpatient treatment for.
A royal source told CNN last year that the form of cancer detected was not prostate cancer, but did not specify further.
The spokesperson for the King told CNN on Friday that was because “the advice from cancer experts is that, in his determination to support the whole cancer community, it is preferable that His Majesty does not address his own specific condition but rather speaks to those affected by all forms of the disease.”
It’s not yet clear how much longer Charles will require treatment; that would be a matter for his medical team to determine.
Following his diagnosis last year, the King briefly stepped away from public facing duties, though he continued to carry out state business.
He has since returned to a busy diary of engagements and foreign trips.
“The King has taken great comfort and encouragement from being able to continue leading a full and active life throughout his treatment, while always heeding the advice of his medical team,” his spokesperson told CNN.
“His ability to uphold all of his state duties, and to continue with public engagements and overseas tours, has helped greatly with the positive mindset that, as many families will know, is such a vital part of the recovery journey.”