King Charles 'deeply touched' by reaction to 'milestone' cancer message
King Charles said he was deeply touched by the public and media reaction to his cancer recovery message, which boosted awareness of screening and led to a surge in people checking their eligibility.
King Charles will be "deeply touched" by the public's reaction to the "milestone" in his cancer journey, which he described as a "personal blessing".
In a televised message to the nation as part of Channel 4's Stand Up to Cancer event on Friday night (12.12.25), the 77-year-old monarch revealed that "thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to doctor's orders", his cancer treatment "can be reduced in the New Year".
The royal - who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 and has undergone weekly treatment since then - urged people to "take up their invitation" of available cancer screenings after being concerned that "at least 9 million people in our country are not up to date with the cancer screenings available to them".
Later in the message, King Charles said he was "encouraged" to learn about a new national screening checker - which tells people who are currently eligible for breast, bowel, or cervical cancer screening programs.
Cancer Research UK reported that the online tool has seen a notable surge in visitors - approximately 100,000 since its launch on December 5, with the majority of traffic coming after the King's address - and National Health Service (NHS) England reporting its cancer-related pages raked in 4,000 views within 24 hours, compared to nearly 8,000 over a full week.
On Saturday (13.12.25), a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said it is "delighted by the scale and sensitivity of the worldwide media reaction" and is "most grateful for the many kind comments we have received for the King, both from those working in cancer care and from the general public".
The spokesperson added: "I know His Majesty will be greatly encouraged and deeply touched by the very positive reaction his message has generated.
"He will be particularly pleased at the way it has helped to shine a light on the benefits of cancer screening programs.
"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."
Also on Saturday, Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, reacted to the vast number of visitors who have visited the national screening checker website, saying: "This response shows just how important open conversations about cancer can be.
"Knowing which screening you're eligible for, and what happens next, isn't always straightforward, which is why we've launched this simple new Screening Checker.
"Taking just a few minutes to check what screening you're eligible for could be an important step towards protecting your health and could ultimately save lives."
King Charles concluded his message on Friday by encouraging people to help catch cancer early.
The monarch said: "This December, as we gather to reflect on the year past, I pray that we can each pledge as part of our resolutions for the year ahead to play our part in helping to catch cancer early in your life, for all the life of someone you love may depend upon it."
