King Charles has shared encouraging news about his cancer treatment, announcing that his medical schedule will be scaled back in the New Year following what Buckingham Palace described as an “exceptionally” positive response to care.
The update was delivered in a video message broadcast on Channel 4 as part of Stand Up To Cancer UK, in which the King said the progress was the result of early diagnosis, effective intervention and following medical advice.
“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years,” he said, adding that he hoped the update would offer encouragement to others facing a diagnosis.
The King also used the broadcast to urge the public to take up routine screening, promoting the national screening checker and warning that delayed diagnosis “troubles me deeply”, as he reflected on the period since his own cancer was diagnosed early in 2024.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
King cancer timeline
Diagnosis and early treatment
Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024 that the King had been diagnosed with “a form of cancer” discovered during tests following treatment for a benign enlarged prostate. Officials made clear at the time that he did not have prostate cancer.
He immediately began outpatient treatment and paused public-facing duties on medical advice, while continuing with State business behind the scenes. Messages of support followed from world leaders and public figures, with Palace sources saying the King remained positive about his prognosis.
King Charles cancer timeline as Palace confirms treatment to be scaled back
|GETTY / CHANNEL 4 / BANGO STUDIOS
Gradual return to duties
In April 2024, Buckingham Palace confirmed doctors were “very encouraged” by the King’s progress and that he would return to public engagements while continuing treatment. His first appearance came at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, where he met staff and patients.
Over the summer, the King resumed major national duties, including Trooping the Colour in June and the State Opening of Parliament in July, with engagements carefully managed in line with medical guidance.
Overseas travel resumes
In October 2024, the King and Queen undertook a long-haul tour to Australia and Samoa, marking their first major overseas visit since the diagnosis. The Palace said the programme had been adapted to support rest and recovery.
LATEST ROYAL DEVELOPMENTS
King Charles pictured on a royal tour to Samoa in October 2024
|PA
2025 setback and candid reflections
In March 2025, the Palace confirmed the King experienced temporary side effects from treatment and spent a brief period under observation in hospital. Engagements were adjusted as a precaution, and he returned to duties shortly afterwards.
The following month, he offered one of his most personal reflections at a Buckingham Palace reception for cancer charities, describing diagnosis as “daunting and at times frightening” while praising the compassion shown to patients and families.
In May 2025, during a visit to Bradford, the King gave a brief health update when asked by a member of the public, saying: “I’d like to think I’m on the better side (of my cancer journey).”
Later that month, he travelled to Canada to carry out a major constitutional role by opening the Canadian parliament.
King Charles leaving Clarence House on March 28 after hospital observation due to temporary side effects from his cancer treatment
|GETTY
December 2025 update
In his December message for Stand Up To Cancer UK, the King confirmed that his treatment schedule will be reduced in the New Year. Buckingham Palace said ongoing care would now move into a “precautionary phase”, with his recovery continuing to be closely monitored.
“His Majesty has responded exceptionally well to treatment,” the Palace said, adding that the milestone was “a great personal blessing”.
Officials again declined to disclose details of the cancer or treatment involved, while reiterating that it was not prostate cancer. A spokesman said the King had taken comfort from being able to maintain a full and active working life throughout treatment, while always following medical advice.