“Scary experience”: King Charles talks about cancer diagnosis

King Charles, who suffered from cancer, spoke in moving words about the experience of diagnosis of cancer and disease. Before a meeting of community-based cancer organizations on April 30th in the Buckingham Palace, the monarch turned to an message to those who, like him, are affected by the disease. “Every diagnosis, every new case, is a discouraging and sometimes scary experience for those affected and their relatives. But since I myself am one of those affected, I can confirm that this can also be an experience that puts the best of people in the foreground”.

The king also notices “that the darkest moments of the disease can be illuminated by the greatest sympathy”. It is an encouraging message of cohesion that Charles formulates here. The monarch continues: “What strikes us again and again is the deep effect of human connection – be it through the careful explanation of a nurse, a comforting hand of a hospice helper or the joint experience in a self -help group. These moments of connection create what I would call a ‘community of care’, a community that gives the patient in the most difficult times.”

As a result, Charles thanks “all the researchers who achieve groundbreaking breakthroughs, the medical specialists who offer specialized treatments, the volunteers, the consolation” and many other people who have committed themselves to the fight against the disease professionally or on a professionally or voluntary basis.

With the words of the journalist Deborah James, who died of cancer at just 40 years old, he concludes: “Find a life that is worth being enjoyed; go to risks; love intimately; and always have no rebellious hope.”

The Buckingham Palace made King Charles’ cancer diagnosis public in early February last year. What kind of cancer the monarch suffers from, however, was never announced. In April 2024, after a treatment and recovery phase, he returned to his royal obligations, recently visited Pope Francis (1936-2025) in the Vatican shortly before his death during a trip to Italy. The king’s cancer treatment continues.