Buckingham Palace highlights public reaction to King Charles’ cancer update

Buckingham Palace says the worldwide response to King Charles’ recent cancer update has been overwhelmingly positive.

The 77-year-old monarch appeared in a pre-recorded message on Friday for Channel 4’s Stand Up to Cancer, sharing a key development in his own care.

In the rare update, the king said his treatment schedule will be reduced in 2026 thanks to “early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders.’”

In response, Buckingham Palace praised the “scale and sensitivity” of global media coverage and the “many kind comments” from healthcare workers and the public.

The palace said the King “will be greatly encouraged and deeply touched by the very positive reaction his message has generated.”

“He will be particularly pleased at the way it has helped shine a light on the benefits of cancer screening programs,” the statement continued.

“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.”

King Charles’ diagnosis was announced in February 2024, shortly after he underwent treatment for a benign enlarged prostate. The cancer type remains private.