What to expect as King Charles prepares to share health update

Buckingham Palace's statement that King Charles would share a health update has left royal family supporters hoping to finally hear from the monarch himself.

The palace said the King would talk about his "recovery journey" as a cancer patient in a video message on Friday at 20:00 GMT.

The monarch has recorded a personal message about his experience with cancer, which will be broadcast as part of this year's Stand Up To Cancer campaign, run by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4. 

The message, recorded at Clarence House two weeks ago, will emphasize the importance of cancer screening checks to ensure more people catch the disease at an early stage.

According to BBC, "this will be a rare update on the health of King, who has been undergoing regular treatment since revealing his diagnosis in February 2024. But it is thought unlikely the King will identify his type of cancer."

However, sources say since the King is giving an update on his cancer journey as part of a larger Stand Up To Cancer program, it will be positive and pretty tame news. 

His cancer was detected in tests after a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate, the palace said in February 2024.

Charles has continued to have treatment and, after some time away from the spotlight, returned to public duties in April this year with a busy schedule of ceremonies, appearances and foreign trips.

His first public appearance following his diagnosis took place at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre. The visit also marked his appointment as the new patron of Cancer Research UK.

In a message to attendees at an April reception honouring the work of the cancer charities, Charles spoke about his own experience with the disease, saying it showed him "the very best of humanity".

Leading cancer support charity Maggie's said in July that Charles', and his daughter-in-law Kate's, public battles with cancer, have had a huge impact on fellow sufferers, encouraging them to be open about the difficulties of coping with the illness.