King Charles has shared what has been described as ‘his most personal reflections yet’ following his cancer diagnosis last year, and people have rushed to praise the monarch

King Charles spoke candidly about his cancer diagnosis (file)(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

King Charles has reflected on his cancer diagnosis, prompting fans of the Royal Family to praise the monarch. Charles was diagnosed with a form of cancer last February following a three-night stay at The London Clinic in Marylebone, during which he was treated for an enlarged prostate. Subsequent testing led to the discovery of the disease.

The King has continued to have weekly treatment at a London hospital, returning to public duties last April. In his latest engagement, he and Queen Camilla will host a special reception for cancer charities at Buckingham Palace this evening. But ahead of the event, Charles shared his ‘most personal reflections yet’ about his illness.

“Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,” a message on the Royal Family website read.

“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.

“It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations 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.”

Quoting the late cancer awareness campaigner Dame Deborah James, who passed away at the age of 40 in June 2022, the King added: “And to those who may be receiving such upsetting news today, tomorrow or at any point in the future, I can only echo the departing words of the late Dame Deborah James, whose parents I am delighted to have with us here this evening, and whose example stands as an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health: ‘Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.’”

Commenting on the message on X, ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship said: “King Charles writes his most personal reflections yet on his cancer diagnosis. He speaks of the ‘darkest moments of illness’ which can be ‘illuminated by the greatest compassion.’

“He is hosting a reception this evening for those who, like him, have cancer and those who work to combat the disease.”

Since returning to work a year ago, the King has taken on an extraordinary schedule of public work, insisting to aides that he is “keen to make up for lost time.”

The King and Queen will tonight be joined by The Duchess of Gloucester, not only celebrating the work of the organisations but raising awareness of preventative action people can take to avoid cancer.

Guests include representatives from the King and Queen’s patronages, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, Maggie’s and Children’s Hospice South West.

The King and Queen will also watch a performance by the ITV Change + Check Choir, made up of 26 women who all spotted their breast cancer symptoms after seeing the awareness campaign on Lorraine Kelly’s ITV1 programme Lorraine.

Kate Middleton also received a cancer diagnosis just weeks after her father-in-law.

She similarly underwent treatment but is now in remission.