King Charles talks 'recovery journey'
King Charles will reflect on his cancer "recovery journey" and discuss the importance of early screening in a video message to be broadcast in the UK on Friday (12.12.25).
King Charles will address the nation about his "recovery journey" on Friday (12.12.25) night.
The 77-year-old monarch was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 and has undergone weekly treatment since then, and he will now reflect on his experiences and make a plea for early screening in a video message, Buckingham Palace have confirmed.
The video was filmed at the end of November and will air on Channel 4 at 8pm as part of their Stand Up To Cancer 2025 event, a joint initiative with Cancer Research UK.
The king - who is patron of Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK - reflected earlier this year on how a cancer diagnosis can be a “daunting and at times frightening experience” for individuals and their loved ones..
He added in a written message ahead of a reception for people working in cancer support: “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.
“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...
“‘Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope’.”
In May, he told a wellwisher he was "on the better side" of his cancer journey during a visit to Bradford.
Florist Safeena Khan told the Daily Mail online: “He asked me how I was, and I asked him how he was. There was some pleasantries towards the end, but it was a lovely conversation.”
The florist added that Charles gave her a “thumbs up” when she asked about his health and told her: “I’d like to think I'm on the better side (of my cancer journey)”.
During a Buckingham Palace garden party earlier this year, Charles advocated for the benefits of eating well amid cancer treatment.
The monarch spoke with Stamford Collis, 22, about the student's own experiences of battling cancer at the recent event and Stamford told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: “He was asking me about the treatment I have starting in June and spoke to me about food and diet. He also asked me if I had undergone radiation treatment, which I had earlier this year.”
The publication reports the king was heard to say: “It’s sometimes about the diet and what you eat. It can help.”
