King Charles has recorded a personal video message about his experience of cancer which will be broadcast tonight.
The pre-recorded message will highlight the importance of cancer screening programmes to help early diagnosis, and Charles, 77, will reflect on his own recovery journey.
The message will be broadcast at 8pm in support of Stand Up To Cancer, a joint campaign by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.
The Royal Family shared a teaser clip of the King’s cancer message on their social media platforms.
There has not been an official update about the King’s health for some time, but in May, during a brief discussion with a well-wisher about his wellbeing, he said: “I’d like to think I’m on the better side [of my cancer journey].”
The King revealed in February 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was beginning treatment.
Charles postponed all public-facing engagements, but continued with his duties as head of state behind palace walls, conducting audiences and Privy Council meetings.
He returned to public duties in April last year and visited University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in central London with the Queen and discussed his “shock” at being diagnosed when he spoke to a fellow cancer patient.
He sympathised with Lesley Woodbridge as she underwent chemotherapy, alongside many others, in a day unit, telling her: “It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you?”
Sources suggested last December his treatment would continue in 2025 and was “moving in a positive direction”.
The King has chosen not to reveal what kind of cancer he has been treated for. Palace sources have partly put that down to the fact that he doesn’t want one type of cancer to appear more significant or attract more attention than others.
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A week-long series of celebrity challenges and fundraising events to raise awareness about screening and generate support for those with cancer and their families will culminate in a night of live comedy and entertainment on Channel 4 later.
Davina McCall, who recently revealed she has been treated for breast cancer, will present a live show from a cancer clinic at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, following patients through crucial moments of their cancer journey. There will also be a special episode of Celebrity Gogglebox.
The King’s message will be broadcast just before McCall’s show starts, and was recorded during the last week of November in Clarence House’s morning room.
He has made several overseas trips this year, including to Poland and Italy. Earlier this month, Charles also hosted the German president for a banquet in Windsor as part of a historic three-day state visit.
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The King has been receiving his cancer treatment as an outpatient since early February last year, believed to be weekly sessions at the London Clinic.
He increased his workload at the beginning of the year following positive progress with his cancer care and that has continued, despite what a source described at the time as a “minor bump” of spending a short period in hospital after experiencing temporary cancer treatment side effects in March.
A few months later, during an away day to Bradford, Charles was asked by florist Safeena Khan about his health and with a thumbs-up replied: “I’d like to think I’m on the better side [of my cancer journey]”.
