King Charles is releasing a ‘personal message’ about his cancer diagnosis today
The King has recorded a ‘personal message’ about his cancer diagnosis and recovery which will be played in a ground-breaking broadcast today.
Charles’s address will be shown as part of ‘Stand Up To Cancer 2025’, a joint campaign by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.
The King, 77, was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease in early 2024 and has been receiving weekly treatment ever since.
Despite this he has continued with a packed working diary, with five state visits this year alone.
In his message, the monarch will stress the importance of cancer screening programmes in enabling early diagnosis and will ‘reflect on his own recovery journey’.
It was recorded during the last week of November in the Morning Room at Clarence House.
This year’s Stand Up To Cancer event is designed to drive awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, as well as raising funds for cancer research and support all those affected by the illness.
His Majesty’s message will form part of Channel 4’s flagship night of programmes and will be aired at 8pm, shortly before a unique live broadcast from a cancer clinic at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, presented by presenter Davina McCall, who was herself recently treated for breast cancer.
King Charles has recorded a message about his cancer diagnosis and recovery, which will be broadcast on Channel 4 today
His Majesty was diagnosed with the disease in early 2024 and has received weekly treatment for the past two years
Earlier this year the King visited patients at the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Birmingham and spoke to them candidly about his own experience of cancer
As far as royal communications are concerned, particularly for a head of state, it is a major break with tradition to offer a personal, televised message on a private medical matter.
Buckingham Palace has always chosen not to reveal the King’s own cancer or treatment, although they have confirmed that it is not prostate-related.
This is partly out of medical privacy, but also because Charles has been personally keen for his openness in speaking about living a full life with the disease, while undergoing treatment, to appeal to the widest possible audience.
His decision to speak publicly about such a difficult personal matter sparked a huge uptick in people seeking information from NHS and charity websites.
The monarch was diagnosed in February last year, days after going into hospital for routine surgery for an enlarged prostate.
At the time Buckingham Palace said: ‘During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
‘His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.
‘Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
The King has continued with a packed working diary including a visit from US President Donald Trump in September
His Majesty also met Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City in October in the first meeting from a British monarch in 500 years
‘The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.
‘He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
‘His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.’
This year’s Stand Up To Cancer initiative has launched a simple online screening checker – screeningchecker.co.uk – which helps users determine which breast, bowel and cervical screening programmes they may be eligible for, provides trusted information from Cancer Research UK, and directs users to further support where needed.
