The “daunting” and “frightening” experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis has been recounted by the King.
Fifteen months after his own diagnosis, the king also disclosed that he had drawn inspiration from the late Dame Deborah James in what have been called his most “poignant” and “deeply personal” remarks regarding the illness.
She exhorted those who were suffering to “find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope,” he concluded with poignant grandeur.
As fellow cancer patients are invited to Buckingham Palace tonight to honor the amazing work of locally based cancer organizations, His Majesty opened up in a message.
The King is himself still undergoing regular treatments as someone “living with cancer”, although aides say his recovery continues in a “very positive direction, as reflected with the very full national and international diary programme” he is undertaking.
Given that his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, also received a cancer diagnosis within weeks of his own last year and received prophylactic chemotherapy, the personally written message has even more meaning.
Charles, 76, goes to great lengths in his message to personally thank those who so “selflessly” work to provide care, comfort, and reassurance to the 390,000 people in the UK who receive a new cancer diagnosis each year—more than 1,000 every day—as well as those who work to treat the disease, find cures, and raise money for it.
“Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,” he writes.
“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 writes.
“It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years.”
“And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits – that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”
He added with added poignancy, “You have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude.”
After undergoing regular surgery for an enlarged prostate in January of last year, the King was diagnosed with an unidentified kind of cancer.
Although they have not confirmed it, Buckingham Palace has ruled out that it is related to his prostate problem.
Additionally, they have not revealed the type of treatment he is now receiving.
However, it is undeniable that Charles has been more forthcoming than any previous king regarding his diagnosis and medical care.
He has always been careful not to appeal to the public’s pity for himself, but to utilize his circumstances to spread knowledge about the illness and provide consolation to others who are afflicted by it in any way.
At tonight’s reception, he and Queen Camilla, joined by the Duchess of Gloucester, highlighted the community’s cancer caregivers and the preventative measures people may take to avoid the disease.
Numerous attendees were from organizations that the Royal Family supports, such as Maggie’s, Children’s Hospice South West, Breast Cancer Now, and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Actor Richard E. Grant, whose beloved wife, Joanna Washington, passed away from lung disease, reality personality Ashley Cain, who tragically lost his eight-week-old daughter to cancer, and broadcaster Adele Roberts, who herself survived cancer, were among the well-known supporters.
The parents of “Bowel Babe” Dame Deborah James, who gained national acclaim for her courage and strength in raising money and awareness despite having incurable bowel cancer, were also in attendance. Just weeks before she lost her fight for life, Prince William made her a Dame at her house, and she passed away in 2022 at the young age of 40.
Describing her as an ‘inspiration’, the King writes, “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, whose parents I am delighted to have with us here this evening, and whose example stands as an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health.”
The King says that as long-term patrons of a number of organisations working in the field, he and the Queen 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.”
He continues, “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.”
And there is no mistaking the King’s personal gratitude, as well as his professional one, as he continues: “So to all the researchers pursuing pioneering breakthroughs; to the healthcare professionals providing specialist treatment; to the volunteers offering comfort, or campaigning to raise awareness; and to the fundraisers enabling all this vital work – you have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude.”
“Your commitment to early diagnosis, evermore successful therapies and truly holistic care represents the very best our country can offer.”
“This collective endeavour 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.”
The ITV host Lorraine Kelly’s Watch the Change + Check Choir, which consists of 26 women united by breast cancer diagnoses, will also perform at the reception.
Many of the women have called playing for Their Majesties “poignant,” and many of them are still dealing with secondary breast cancer.
Ms Kelly said, “It’s not every day you get to perform for royalty and it’s an absolute privilege to be invited.”
Choir member Nikki Wheatley also praised the king, adding, “I had the privilege of meeting The King at The Royal Variety Performance and he was so attentive and gave everyone his time. You wouldn’t know from looking at The King that he is unwell, and that’s the same with me, so I can relate to him.”
“To see him carry on with his work and engagements whilst battling cancer himself is inspiring as you know what it is like behind the scenes.”
“We are so grateful to His Majesty for his continued support, both as our Patron and for being so open about his own cancer experience, which has inspired so many others to reach out for support from organizations like Macmillan,” stated Gemma Peters, Chief Executive Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support.
“Every day we see the impact that cancer is having on people’s lives and that experience is even worse for some people because of who they are or where they live, which is entirely unacceptable. We are on a mission to transform cancer care, but we cannot do it on our own.”
“It’s incredible to see so many different community groups and organisations who are doing brilliant work for people living with cancer. It is only by working together as a cancer community, that we will be able to tackle the biggest issues facing cancer care and support the people living with cancer who need it most.”
