King Charles has been hailed for "speaking from the heart" as the monarch held a poignant reception at Buckingham Palace, in celebration of community-based initiatives raising awareness about cancer and supporting those living with cancer.
Among the guests were Dame Deborah James's parents, who said the reception marked the pinnacle of their daughter's achievements since launching her Bowelbabe campaign before her death in 2022.
King Charles shared a personal message during the reception, saying: "Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones."
He continued: "But 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."
King Charles has been hailed for 'speaking from the heart' as the monarch hosted a poignant cancer reception at the Palace
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The King also paid tribute to Dame Deborah, quoting her parting words: "Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope."
He described her as "an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health", and said he was "delighted" to welcome her parents to the reception.
Discussing the King's heartfelt messages, Royal Commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News: "I think it's an extraordinarily moving message. And also, it takes you through the shock statistic of 390,000 people each year are diagnosed with this pernicious disease, and how shocking it can be to be diagnosed.
"And also, subsequently, he talks about the way that it brings out the best in the human spirit when you are supported."
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King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted a special reception at Buckingham Palace
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Emphasising the King's personal journey with cancer, and his connection to Princess Kate in her cancer diagnosis and treatment, Fitzwilliams explained that the monarch is even more keen to "promote causes close to his heart".
He said: "This reception was for those who were involved in community based cancer support, and this is one of the ways that the King is attempting, as he has with the environment and inter-religious understanding, to promote causes is dear to his heart.
"But the personal aspect of this, it was a tremendously moving message. Talking also from personal experience and the fact that the Princess of Wales is in remission and gradually going back to some form of balance when it comes to public engagements."
Hailing the King's "inspiring" efforts to remain active despite his cancer treatment, Fitzwilliams revealed that he completed almost 400 engagements amid his cancer diagnosis and treatment last year.
Fitzwilliams told GB News that the King's message will be 'heard around the world'
GB News
He stated: "If you want an inspiration, the King last year did 372 engagements, and there's no question that he is thriving on returning to work."
Noting his emotional tribute to Dame Deborah James and his personal reflection of his cancer, Fitzwilliams claimed there is "no doubt" that his message will be echoed "worldwide".
Fitzwilliams concluded: "He talked of loving bravely, taking risks and being a bit rebellious - there has always been that streak, I think, in the King. And there's no question that this issue is somewhat terrifying.
"The fact that he used the word frightening, there's no question that this message will go worldwide. And this is his way of communicating the difficulties, the horrors of being told that you have cancer, and then also thanking those who are so pivotal when it comes to support and also making you feel part of the community and also reaching out.
"And it is absolutely remarkable the way he's crafted this, because I feel that he is speaking from the heart."
