King Charles ‘deeply touched’ by public reaction to cancer message

Buckingham Palace said it was “deeply moved” by the public response to King Charles’ latest message about his cancer recovery.

The monarch announced in a video message published on Friday that cancer treatment would be reduced in the new year.

He attributed the “good news” to early diagnosis, effective care and scrupulous compliance with doctors’ recommendations.

Charles, who has been treated for cancer as an outpatient since early February 2024, also used the opportunity to encourage millions of people to undergo current screenings for the disease.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said in a statement on Saturday that they were “delighted by the scale and sensitivity of the worldwide media response”.

They added that they were “very grateful for the many kind comments we have received from both those working in cancer care for the King and the general public.”

“I know Her Majesty will be hugely encouraged and deeply moved by the overwhelmingly positive response her message has generated,” the spokesman added.

“He would be particularly pleased to help shed light on the benefits of cancer screening programmes.

“The King has long held the view that if some public good could be gained from sharing some elements of his personal diagnostic and treatment journey, it would be his pleasure and duty to do so.

“His thoughts and warmest wishes remain with all those affected by cancer and those who care for them.”

Delivering his message in support of the Stand Up to Cancer campaign, Charles said early diagnosis allowed him to “continue to live a full and active life, even while receiving treatment”.

He said it was “distressing” to learn that nine million people in the UK do not have up-to-date information about the cancer screening available to them.

“This means at least nine million missed opportunities for early diagnosis,” he said.

She added: “From what I’ve been told, people avoid screening because they think it can be scary, embarrassing or uncomfortable.

“If they eventually accept their invitation, they will be happy to attend.

“A few minutes of minor discomfort is a small price to pay for the reassurance that comes when most people are either told they do not need further testing or some are given the chance to enable early diagnosis with life-saving intervention that can follow.”

Charles urged people to use the online screening checker scanchecker.co.uk, which allows them to discover whether they are eligible for screening.