UK’s Channel 4 is set to broadcast a rare personal message from King Charles III, where he will discuss his cancer journey on Friday via Vanity Fair.
The video was recorded during the last week of November in the Morning Room at Clarence House. In a statement, Buckingham Palace stated that the king will talk about his own experience with a cancer diagnosis.
“In his message, the king will stress the importance of cancer screening programs in enabling early diagnosis and will reflect on his own recovery journey,” it added.
The king recorded the message for Stand Up To Cancer 2025, which is a campaign fronted by Cancer Research UK. His Majesty’s message is set to air shortly before a unique live broadcast from a cancer clinic at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, presented by host Davina McCall.
The palace noted that the king was keen to support the campaign, which “aims to drive awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, raises funding for cancer research and supports all those affected by the illness.”
Following his cancer diagnosis in February last year, King Charles has consistently shared details about his experience. He said that he is committed to driving awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and raising funding for cancer research, and in April 2024, he became a patron of Cancer Research UK, the country’s largest cancer research charity.
Last year, Charles publicly shared that he was undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. This, along with Kate Middleton’s revelations about her surgery and cancer diagnosis, signaled a new era of openness about the royal family’s health issues.
After the king’s announcement, many men contacted the NHS seeking check-ups. He reportedly supports broader national screening programs to catch cancers early and boost survival rates. Recently, he hosted a Clarence House event for cancer charities across the UK, including Maggie’s, which offers support to patients and families. The king has also visited patients in hospitals and openly discussed his treatment and its side effects.
While the king has not disclosed the type of cancer he has, Buckingham Palace has confirmed it is not prostate cancer. “The king did not want to specify the cancer he has because he does not want the spotlight to be on his cancer,” a source told Vanity Fair. “He wants to raise awareness for all cancers. This is work he is absolutely passionate about and very committed to.”
