This speech, which lasted approximately six minutes and was recorded in late November, was aired as part of a television program on Channel 4 aimed at raising awareness about cancer prevention and raising funds to support research.
The King, 77, stated that “this turning point is a personal blessing and an embodiment of the remarkable progress made in cancer treatment in recent years,” expressing his hope that “this will encourage the 50% of us who will be diagnosed with this disease at some point in our lives.”
The British monarch also urged Britons to rush to get tested to increase their chances of recovery, expressing his “deep concern” about the fact that “at least nine million people in our country do not get the screening tests available to them.”
He affirmed that “that means missing at least nine million opportunities for early diagnosis,” stressing that “screening saves lives.”
For his part, Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed this “moving message” from King Charles III, who ascended the British throne in September 2022, adding: “I know I speak for the whole country when I say I am pleased to hear of the lessening of his treatment schedule for next year.”
The King, who announced on February 5, 2024, that he had cancer without specifying the type, did not provide any further details about his condition. He mentioned bowel cancer twice during his speech, but royal sources confirmed that this was not directly related to his illness.
It is worth mentioning that the palace’s announcement in early 2024 that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer, during surgery for an enlarged prostate, broke an old tradition of monarchs remaining silent about their health conditions.
The following month, Princess Kate also announced that she had cancer without specifying the type, before announcing in January 2025 that she was entering the recovery phase.
Regarding King Charles, the palace clarified in February 2024 that he had begun a “regular treatment program,” during which he would avoid public appearances while continuing his work from his residence. Two months later, in April 2024, he resumed his public appearances and visited a cancer treatment center in London with Queen Camilla.
In March 2025, the King was briefly hospitalized after suffering from “side effects” resulting from cancer treatment.
Over the past few months, King Charles has participated in a number of official events, including a state visit with US President Donald Trump, several trips within the United Kingdom, as well as a visit to Canada in May, and a visit to the Vatican in October to attend a historic prayer with Pope Laon XIV.
