King Charles III recently shared rare personal reflections on his cancer battle in a message thanking “all those who support cancer patients and their loved ones” via NY Post.
The 76-year-old monarch recently penned a letter posted on the royal family’s website Wednesday ahead of a reception hosted by the king and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace for “representatives from community-based cancer organizations and initiatives” in recognition of “their tireless work.”
A condensed copy of the letter was also shared on the royal family’s social media.
The king admitted that being “among” the “statistics” of those diagnosed with cancer has “reinforced” his view that “the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”
“My wife and I are delighted to host you here this evening to celebrate and above all thank 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,” the king’s statement began, also noting that over 1,000 new cases of cancer are reported each day.
“Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones.”
Charles continued, “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.”
He spoke further on his own cancer diagnosis and treatment, the sovereign said, “It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organizations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years.”
Perhaps most poignantly, he wrote that his cancer journey “has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits – that the greatest compassion can illuminate the darkest moments of illness.
“As patrons of many such organizations, the queen and I have seen at 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,” the king added.
“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.”
King Charles also acknowledged “all the researchers pursuing pioneering breakthroughs,” “healthcare professionals providing specialist treatment,” “volunteers offering comfort” to cancer patients or “campaigning to raise awareness” and fundraisers who enable “all this vital work.”
He said, “[Y]ou 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.”
The king shared: “This collective endeavor reminds us of what we can achieve when we are united with common purpose and uncommon determination. 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.”
Concluding his message, Charles spoke directly to anyone who has just received a cancer diagnosis along with those who will receive such “upsetting news […] at any point in the future,” quoting the late Dame Deborah James, a schoolteacher-turned-advocate for cancer patients, who passed away in 2022 at only 40 years old.
“Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope,” the king quoted James, whose example he said “stands as an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health.”
He concluded, “I am so very grateful for all that you do.”
