King Charles has tonight delivered a positive health update on his cancer journey, as he tells the nation that he has been given the green-light to reduce his treatment schedule. Having been diagnosed with cancer last February, the 77-year-old monarch has been receiving his cancer treatment as an outpatient, believed to be weekly sessions at the London Clinic.
Buckingham Palace has not revealed what type of cancer he has or what treatment he is receiving. A spokesperson explained that by not revealing his specific condition the King “speaks to those affected by all forms of the disease”.
They also explained what reducing the King's treatment schedule means in practice.
Wearing a pin-striped suit and with a seasonal bouquet of flowers behind him, the King said: “I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment.
“Indeed, today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders’, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the New Year.
“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years; testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the 50 percent of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives.”
Explaining what this means, a Palace spokesperson added: “His Majesty has responded exceptionally well to treatment and his doctors advise that ongoing measures will now move into a precautionary phase.
“This position will be continuously monitored and reviewed to protect and prioritise his continued recovery.
“As The King has said, this milestone on his recovery journey is ‘a great personal blessing’.”
His message, broadcast as part of this year’s Stand Up to Cancer campaign, saw the 77-year-old monarch encourage people to attend cancer screenings, no matter how “frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable” they may seem.
“This December, as we gather to reflect on the year past, I pray that we can each pledge, as part of our resolutions for the year ahead, to play our part in helping to catch cancer early,” he said. “Your life - or the life of someone you love - may depend upon it.”
Hailing the new national Screening Checker that launched online earlier this month, the King says the “simple tool” allows anyone to check if they are eligible for breast, bowel or cervical cancer screening. “It demystifies the process, answers your questions, and guides you towards taking that crucial step,” he says.
