Charles III announces “good news” in his battle against cancer

King Charles III finally announced “good news” in his nearly two-year battle against cancer, as he will be able to undergo a reduced treatment program in 2026, in a pre-recorded television message.

The six-minute message, which was recorded in late November, was broadcast as part of a television program on Channel 4 aimed at promoting cancer prevention and raising funds for cancer research.

The 77-year-old king said: “This turning point represents a personal blessing and an embodiment of the remarkable progress that has been made in cancer treatment in recent years. “I hope this will encourage the 50% of us who will be diagnosed with this disease at some point in our lives.”

He also encouraged Britons to undergo tests as soon as possible to increase their chances of recovery.

Charles III expressed his “deep concern” when he learned that “at least nine million people in our country do not undergo the screening tests available to them,” considering that “this means losing at least nine million opportunities for early diagnosis.”

For his part, Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed this “moving message” from Charles III, who assumed the British throne in September 2022. Starmer said: “I know I speak for the entire country when I say that I am happy to reduce his cancer treatment next year.”

The king, who announced on February 5, 2024 that he had cancer without revealing its type, did not provide any additional details. He mentioned bowel cancer twice in his letter, but royal sources confirmed that this was not directly related to his illness.

The palace’s announcement in early 2024 that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer while undergoing surgery for an enlarged prostate broke a long-standing taboo, after kings had historically been accustomed to remaining silent about their health.