In his most personal reflection on his own cancer, which was diagnosed in February last year, he said such news could be “daunting and at times a frightening experience” for individuals and their loved ones.
“But as one among those statistics myself,” he said, “I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.”
It is the first message in which the King has referred extensively to his illness, although he did not confirm further details about his specific diagnosis.
‘Inspiration to us all’
He added: “And to those who may be receiving such upsetting news today, tomorrow or at any point in the future, I can only echo the departing words of the late Dame Deborah James, whose parents I am delighted to have with us here this evening, and whose example stands as an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health.”
The words were originally posted on social media alongside the announcement of Dame Deborah’s death.
The campaigner, known online as “Bowelbabe”, had her damehood conferred by Prince William in the garden of her home in May 2022, the month before she died.
The King told her parents that he was “so sorry I didn’t meet her”, adding that the cancer campaigner was “a force of nature”.
Speaking after meeting the King in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace, Heather James, Dame Deborah’s mother, said it was an honour that the King had quoted her daughter.
“It was lovely to be introduced to the King and I did thank him for being open with his diagnosis and said how much of a difference that would make to the public.”
Her husband Alistair added: “We did also tell him how wonderful it was when William came to meet [Deborah] in the garden.”
Alistair James wore socks bearing the words “Rebellious Hope” to the reception.
King plans overseas travel amid treatment
The King and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer in 2024. The Princess is now in remission and continuing a gradual return to work with her first official overnight stay on the Isle of Mull this week.
Heather James said she sympathised with Carole Middleton, the Princess’s mother.
The King, whose treatment continues, has recently travelled to Rome and is keeping up a full schedule of public engagements.
At the end of March, he was briefly admitted to hospital because of the side-effects of his treatment.
His medical care is reportedly heading in a “very positive direction”, with plans for state visits and further overseas travel this year.
The King will lead British VE Day anniversary commemorations next week, hosting World War II veterans at the palace, attending a Westminster Abbey service, and a celebratory concert.
Among his ordinary engagements, some of which are announced and others kept under wraps for security reasons, he will host a reception at Windsor Castle for members of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association later today.
As the royal family approaches the busy summer season, he is expected to attend events including Trooping the Colour, Royal Ascot and the Chelsea Flower Show.
Determined to make a difference
A senior palace source said recently that the King “knows he is fortunate to be in a position to make a difference, and is determined to do just that”.
“As we are seeing, since his reign began two and a half years ago, he’s achieving that in very many different ways.”
In the written message, printed in a booklet for guests at the Buckingham Palace reception on Wednesday night, the King thanked “all those who so selflessly give care, comfort and reassurance to the 390,000 people who, sadly, receive a new cancer diagnosis across the UK each year”.
He wrote: “Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones.”
He added that his own experience had “certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening”.
“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.”
The King said that, through his patronage of cancer charities with the Queen, he had “seen first-hand how you not only fund vital research and deliver exceptional healthcare but also create spaces where patients and their families find sanctuary, understanding and practical assistance when they need it most”.
“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.
“These moments of kinship create what I might call a ‘community of care’, one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.”
‘Deepest admiration’
In a message to researchers, healthcare professionals, volunteers and campaigners, he said: “You have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude.
“Your commitment to early diagnosis, ever more successful therapies and truly holistic care represents the very best our country can offer.
“While every patient’s journey may be different, together you are ensuring that a cancer diagnosis need never mean facing the future without hope and support.”
The King has spoken frequently of his cancer experience when meeting members of the public, and has included raising awareness in his public engagements.
In a visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in April last year, after he returned from a period of working at home to prevent infection, he told patients: “It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you.”
Earlier this year, in Northern Ireland, he shared his personal motto, adopted from Sir Winston Churchill, to “keep buggering on”.
In his 2024 Christmas message, he said: “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.”
Guests at Wednesday’s reception included campaigners Adele Roberts, a BBC radio DJ who was diagnosed with bowel cancer; former footballer Ashley Cain; and actor Richard E Grant.
They were joined by representatives of the King and Queen’s cancer charity patronages, Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, Maggie’s and Children’s Hospice South West, with showcases from Move Dance Feel, which unites women affected by cancer through dance, Rainbow Boxes, which offers practical items as people start cancer treatment, and Wigs for Heroes, which supports people undergoing cancer treatment.
The King and Queen were also set to watch a short performance by the ITV Change + Check Choir, made up of 26 women who all spotted their breast cancer symptoms after seeing the awareness campaign on the ITV show Lorraine.
The Duchess of Gloucester, who is patron of Prostate Cancer UK, attended, and Sarah, Duchess of York, who has had breast cancer and skin cancer, made a surprise appearance.
The duchess, who has worked with the Teenage Cancer Trust for 35 years, said she had been “kindly invited” to the reception by the King, her former brother-in-law.
“I think the King is an absolutely brilliant example of revolutionising [the discussion around cancer]. Also, he does that in everything he does. He always puts his whole heart into everything he does.”
