This marked the most optimistic update on his health since he disclosed his diagnosis in February 2024.
Britain’s King Charles III has announced that his cancer treatment will be significantly reduced in the new year after what Buckingham Palace described as an “exceptionally positive” response to medical intervention.
This marked the most optimistic update on his health since he disclosed his diagnosis in February 2024.
BBC reports that the 77-year-old monarch made the disclosure in a recorded video message broadcast on Channel 4 on Friday during the Stand Up To Cancer fundraising programme, a joint initiative with Cancer Research UK.
“Today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to doctors’ orders, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year,” the King said.
According to palace sources, doctors have now moved the King’s treatment into what was described as a “precautionary phase”, with the frequency of medical interventions expected to be significantly scaled back.
However, officials stressed that the monarch is not in remission and has not been declared cured, noting that treatment and monitoring will continue.
The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed, though royal sources reiterated that it is not prostate cancer.
Describing the development as both personal and symbolic, King Charles said: “This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care.”
The message, recorded at Clarence House two weeks ago, also carried a strong public health appeal, with the monarch urging people to take cancer screening seriously and seek early diagnosis.
“Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives,” he said. “I know from my own experience that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Yet I also know that early detection is the key that can transform treatment journeys.”
The King warned that millions of people were missing life-saving opportunities by failing to attend routine screenings, describing the situation as deeply troubling.
Citing statistics from Cancer Research UK, he noted that around nine million people in the UK are not up to date with NHS cancer screening programmes. He highlighted bowel cancer in particular, stating that survival rates drop sharply when the disease is detected late.
“When bowel cancer is caught at the earliest stage, around nine in ten people survive for at least five years. When diagnosed late, that falls to just one in ten,” he said, while stressing that the reference was not linked to his own condition.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement, describing it as a “powerful message” and expressing relief that the King’s treatment would be reduced in the coming year.
“I know I speak for the entire country when I say how glad I am to hear this news,” Starmer said.
Despite his diagnosis, King Charles has maintained a demanding public schedule, including overseas engagements and hosting state visits. Just days ago, he attended a candle-lit Advent service at Westminster Abbey, where he delivered a message of seasonal hope.
The Stand Up To Cancer campaign, which has raised more than £113 million since its launch in 2012, funds dozens of clinical trials involving thousands of patients. Cancer Research UK said the King’s openness about his illness could encourage others to seek medical checks.
“Spotting cancer early can make a real difference and provides the best chance for successful treatment,” said Michelle Mitchell, the charity’s chief executive.
Currently, the UK runs national screening programmes for bowel, breast and cervical cancers, with a lung cancer screening programme being rolled out for high-risk groups. There is no national screening programme for prostate cancer.
In his message, the King urged the public not to let fear prevent them from seeking help, warning that delays could cost lives.
“Your life, or the life of someone you love, may depend upon it,” he said.