King Charles III sent a moving and deeply personal message of support to cancer patients during a Wednesday reception at at Buckingham Palace, drawing on his own experience of being diagnosed with the illness. The king, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer last year, issued a message of love and hope to anyone going through a similar journey.
During his speech, he noted that over 1000 people are diagnosed with cancer each day in the UK. “Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,” the king said. “But as 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.”
The king and Queen Camilla hosted the reception at Buckingham Palace Wednesday evening to pay tribute to a number of organizations supporting cancer patients and their families, along with health research groups dedicated to preventing the disease. Guests also included radio host Adele Roberts, former footballer Ashley Cain and actor Richard E. Grant, who have all been personally affected by the illness.
“As patrons of many such organizations, The Queen and I have seen at first-hand how you not only fund vital research and deliver exceptional healthcare but also create spaces where patients and their families find sanctuary, understanding and practical assistance when they need it most,” the king said during the reception.
He added that his own diagnosis had given him “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. And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits—that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”
Representatives of leading cancer charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Maggie’s and Children’s Hospice South West and Macmillan Cancer Support, were present for the reception in the palace ballroom. The room featured displays demonstrating the work of groups like Wigs for Heroes and Move Dance Feel, which uses dance to support women with cancer.
At the reception, Macmillan’s CEO Gemma Peters thanked the king for his continued support and his openness in talking about his illness. His Majesty had “inspired so many others to reach out for support from organizations like Macmillan,” she said. “Every day we see the impact that cancer is having on people’s lives and that experience is even worse for some people because of who they are or where they live, which is entirely unacceptable. We are on a mission to transform cancer care, but we cannot do it on our own.”
King Charles closed his speech with a message of hope to anyone affected by the disease. “While every patient’s journey may be different, together you are ensuring that a cancer diagnosis need never mean facing the future without hope and support,” he said, quoting Dame Deborah James who died of bowel cancer in 2022.
The king has never revealed the form of cancer he was diagnosed with in February 2024, but the palace has confirmed that he is receiving ongoing treatment and tolerating it well. Though he was admitted to a hospital briefly following a round of treatment in late March, he has continued to carry out a full schedule of engagements, including a recent state tour of Italy.