King Charles records a personal message about his cancer journey for Stand Up To Cancer
King Charles has filmed a personal video sharing his experience with cancer, which will be shown as part of this year’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign, a collaboration between Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.
Buckingham Palace says the King will discuss his recovery journey as a cancer patient in a message recorded at Clarence House two weeks ago. The broadcast, set for Friday at 20:00 GMT, will stress the importance of cancer screening and encourage more people to take advantage of checks that can lead to early detection.
This marks a rare public update on the King’s health, given that he has been receiving ongoing treatment since publicly revealing his diagnosis in February 2024. It is not expected that he will specify the exact cancer type.
Stand Up To Cancer, an annual fundraising and awareness initiative, supports medical research and promotes regular screening to boost early diagnosis. The King’s open approach to his illness aims to raise awareness and motivate more people to get tested, with this message taking that intention a step further.
Historically, the King, 77, has continued his duties and maintained a demanding schedule despite regular treatment, appearing determined not to be defined by his illness.
This year has seen the King undertake several international trips, including visits to Italy and Canada, and host a record number of foreign state visits to the UK, including the German president last week.
Earlier in the week, the King attended an Advent service at Westminster Abbey, described as atmospheric and meditative, where he spoke of the season’s themes of optimism and hope.
The Stand Up To Cancer show on Channel 4, airing Friday evening, is hosted by Davina McCall, Adam Hills, and Clare Balding. The program will encourage people to overcome fears about cancer checks.
All three hosts have personal cancer connections: McCall recently underwent breast cancer surgery, Balding was treated for thyroid cancer more than a decade ago, and Hills has spoken about his father’s battle with stomach cancer and later leukemia.
The event targets roughly nine million people in the UK who Cancer Research UK says are not up to date with NHS screening guidelines. An online checker will help individuals verify their eligibility for breast, bowel, and cervical cancer tests.
To demystify screening and highlight the benefits of early diagnosis, the program will feature live broadcasts from cancer clinics at Addenbrooke’s and Royal Papworth hospitals in Cambridge.
“I want to remove the fear surrounding cancer screening and remind everyone that they are not alone in this,” McCall said.
Since 2012, the Stand Up to Cancer project has raised about £113 million and currently funds 73 clinical trials involving around 13,000 patients.
In April, the King spoke at a cancer charities reception about recognizing the daunting and sometimes frightening experience of cancer for patients and families. He added that his own experience has shown that even the darkest moments can be brightened by compassion from caregivers.
The Palace has not disclosed the specific cancer type or the treatment the King is receiving. It was reported that his cancer was discovered after a prostate procedure.
