In a televised message this Friday, Britain’s King Charles III revealed that his cancer treatment will soon be scaled back, citing early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to doctors’ orders as key factors in his improvement.
King Charles’ Treatment Update
Charles described the milestone as both a personal blessing and a testament to the advances in cancer care. “This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care,” he said during the broadcast supporting the Stand Up to Cancer charity campaign.
Buckingham Palace did not confirm whether the cancer is in remission. In a briefing to NBC News before the broadcast, a palace spokesperson said Charles had “responded exceptionally well” to treatment and that ongoing measures “will now move into a precautionary phase.” The spokesperson added that “this position will be continuously monitored and reviewed to protect and prioritise his continued recovery.”
Palace Response and Monitoring
The palace confirmed that Charles disclosed his diagnosis in February 2024, less than 18 months after ascending the throne. After the announcement on Feb. 5, the king spoke about his battle, saying, “I know from my own experience that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming,” and that he had been “profoundly moved by what I can only call the ‘community of care’ that surrounds every cancer patient.”
He has never disclosed the type or stage of his cancer. Palace officials said the monarch would not provide those details, citing “advice from cancer experts” that it is preferable for His Majesty not to address his own specific condition but to speak to those affected by all forms of the disease.
Public Duties Resumed
Two months after the diagnosis was revealed, Charles began to return to public life. On April 26, Buckingham Palace announced that the king would resume public engagements on April 30. The palace said the monarch and the queen would make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre the following Tuesday, meeting medical specialists and patients. “This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead,” the statement read.
Other planned engagements include hosting a state visit at Buckingham Palace for the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June. Earlier this year, the monarch had postponed public duties after starting treatment but continued to work behind the scenes and hold small audiences at Buckingham Palace.
He spent a “short period” in hospital in March because of side effects from cancer treatment, according to the palace, without detailing the length of stay or the nature of the treatment. Despite this, he made frequent public appearances this year, hosting President Donald Trump on his second state visit to the U.K. in September, and undertaking overseas trips within Europe, including marking Holocaust Memorial Day at Auschwitz‑Birkenau in January and praying with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in October.
Broader Context and Personal Reflections
The palace spokesperson noted that Charles had “taken great comfort and encouragement from being able to continue leading a full and active life throughout his treatment,” continuing with public engagements and overseas tours. The king’s resilience has been contrasted with Queen Elizabeth II, who avoided overseas travel during her later years due to age and health concerns.
Questions over the monarch’s health are typically a top news story, but the focus this month has also been on the controversy surrounding his younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew. Charles stripped Andrew of his royal titles in October after new questions emerged about his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Takeaways
- King Charles III says his cancer treatment will be scaled back, crediting early diagnosis and effective care.
- The palace confirms the king responded exceptionally well to treatment and that care will now enter a precautionary phase.
- The monarch has resumed public duties, including a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre and a state visit for the Japanese emperor and empress.
The announcement underscores the progress in cancer treatment and highlights the king’s continued commitment to public service amid his health journey.
