King Charles’ Cancer Diagnosis

In February 2024, Buckingham Palace released a statement, sharing that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. While the type of cancer he has been diagnosed with was not revealed, it was said to be discovered during one of his treatment sessions for an enlarged prostate. Officials have stated that “a separate issue of concern was noted” during his treatment. No additional information was provided on the stage or severity of his cancer.

Following his cancer diagnosis, King Charles started undergoing regular scheduled treatment and has since postponed any public duties. Nonetheless, he is still carrying out official paperwork and State business as per usual. King Charles has also shared that he is “grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention” and looks forward to resuming normal duties as he “remains wholly positive about his treatment”.

King Charles decided to go public with his cancer diagnosis, in hope that his story will raise awareness about cancer. Prior to his diagnosis, King Charles had also been actively supporting cancer patients, visiting cancer-related charities even before he was crowned. Official statements noted that "His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them."

King Charles also hopes that his story would encourage people to undergo regular cancer screening. In particular, he hopes that his story would encourage men to undergo regular prostate screenings, not just for prostate cancer but other benign prostate conditions as well.

Announcement about reduced cancer treatment

In December 2025, King Charles provided the biggest update on his cancer since it was first revealed back in February 2024. He shared in a video message that he is responding well to treatment and that his treatment can be reduced next year in 2026. "Today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to 'doctors' orders', my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year," the King remarked.

According to official statements by Buckingham Palace, doctors have decided that King Charles will now be moved "into a precautionary phase", although he is yet to be considered “in remission”.

Following the video broadcast, Buckingham Palace shared that King Charles was "greatly encouraged and deeply touched" by the positive reaction to his video broadcast. The statement wrote "It has long been the King's view that if some public good can come from sharing elements of his personal diagnosis and treatment journey, then it would be his pleasure and duty to do so. His thoughts and warmest wishes will remain with all those affected by cancer and those who care for them."

Early cancer screening: Stand Up for Cancer 2025 campaign

This news came in light of King Charles’ support for the Stand Up for Cancer 2025 campaign as he hopes to encourage more people to get screened for cancer. The Stand Up to Cancer project has raised £113m since 2012 and is currently funding 73 clinical trials involving 13,000 cancer patients. "I know from my own experience that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Yet I also know that early detection is the key that can transform treatment journeys, giving invaluable time to medical teams," he shared.

Early detection is key in the treatment of many cancers as most cancers are more treatable during the early stages. However, it is estimated that nine million people in the UK are not up to date with NHS screening schemes, to which King Charles had expressed his concern. He has also urged people to use the online screening checker tool to check their eligibility for screening.