Buckingham Palace said on Saturday that King Charles III has been “greatly encouraged and deeply touched” by the public response to his recent video message in which he spoke about his experience with cancer, according to Britain’s PA Media news agency.
The British monarch shared the update in a pre-recorded message aired during Friday’s Stand Up For Cancer broadcast on Channel 4. In the video, the 77-year-old King revealed the “good news” that his cancer treatment is expected to be reduced in the new year, crediting early diagnosis, effective treatment and adherence to medical advice.
Charles described the development as “a personal blessing” and praised the “remarkable advances” made in cancer care in recent years.
The King announced in February last year that he had been diagnosed with cancer following a procedure for an enlarged prostate. Since then, he has been undergoing regular outpatient treatment.
A palace spokesperson said Buckingham Palace had been “delighted by the scale and sensitivity of the worldwide media reaction” to the King’s message, and expressed gratitude for the many supportive comments received from both healthcare professionals and members of the public.
“His Majesty will be greatly encouraged and deeply touched by the very positive reaction his message has generated,” the spokesperson said.
Following his diagnosis, King Charles became patron of Cancer Research UK, in addition to his long-standing role as patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, which he has held for nearly 30 years.
The spokesperson added that the King was particularly pleased that his message had helped highlight the importance of cancer screening programmes.
“It has long been the King’s view that if some public good can come from sharing elements of his personal diagnosis and treatment journey, then it would be his pleasure and duty to do so,” the spokesperson said, adding that the King’s thoughts remain with all those affected by cancer and those who care for them.
In his message, Charles urged the public to make use of available cancer screening options, stressing that “early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.”
