King Charles Reflects on Lessons From ‘Darkest Moments’ of Cancer Battle

King Charles III is sharing insight into the biggest lessons he’s learned from his battle with cancer.

During a recent reception at Buckingham Palace for cancer support organizations, Charles, 76, shared a heartfelt message to those who “so selflessly give care, comfort and reassurance” to their patients.

“Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,” he noted. “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.”

Speaking from his own experience, the monarch continued, “It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organizations 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.”

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Charles gave a shout-out to the healthcare professionals leading the charge in fighting cancer, adding that “they have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude.”

“What strikes us repeatedly is the profound impact of human connection — whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer or the shared experience in a support group,” he said. “These moments of kinship create what I might call a ‘community of care,’ one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.”

News broke in February 2024 that Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer following a routine prostate procedure. Princess Kate Middleton revealed her own cancer battle one month later, and while she announced earlier this year that she is in remission, Charles is still undergoing treatment.

Last month, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles was briefly hospitalized after he “experienced temporary side effects” from his treatment. He returned to Clarence House soon after, but work engagements were postponed “as a precautionary measure.” He eventually returned to public duties on April 1.

Throughout his health battle, Charles has been candid about the support he’s received from his family and from royal watchers around the world. In his December 2024 Christmas address, Charles shared that he was “deeply grateful” for the kindness extended to him following his diagnosis.

“From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed. … All of us go through some form of suffering at some stage in our life, be it mental or physical,” he said at the time. “The degree to which we help one another — and draw support from each other, be we people of faith or of none — is a measure of our civilization as nations. This is what continually impresses me, as my family and I meet with, and listen to, those who dedicate their lives to helping others.”

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As he continues treatment, Charles’ wife, Queen Camilla, has been by his side. A royal aide, however, revealed in a recent Newsweek cover story that the experience has taken a toll on Camilla, 77.

“It would have been draining for a woman half her age,” the unnamed aide said in March. “But I think if one is to attempt to see a benefit from that period, actually it did give a chance for the media, and the world, to see some of the work that she had always been doing with greater interest and clarity.”

The aide went on to praise Camilla’s poise as she stepped up to the royal plate in January 2024, noting, “She had to undertake public duties knowing that the king had been diagnosed with cancer, including a visit to a Maggie’s center in London, and yet not be able to show the slightest flicker of vulnerability when she went there knowing what she knew privately.”