In a rare and deeply personal video message broadcast on December 12, 2025, as part of the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, King Charles III shared uplifting news about his ongoing fight against cancer. Nearly two years after his diagnosis was publicly announced in February 2024, the 77-year-old monarch revealed that his treatment schedule will be significantly reduced starting in the new year, thanks to early detection and effective medical intervention.
The King, speaking from Clarence House in a prerecorded address, described the development as a “personal blessing” and a testament to the remarkable progress in cancer care. “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,” he said. Buckingham Palace confirmed that Charles has “responded exceptionally well” to treatment, allowing doctors to shift his care into a “precautionary phase,” though monitoring and some measures will continue.
Charles’ cancer was discovered incidentally during a procedure for an enlarged prostate in early 2024, prompting a break from public duties as he began outpatient treatment. His openness about the illness marked a departure from traditional royal reticence on health matters, aiming to encourage public awareness without specifying the exact type of cancer to reach the broadest audience affected by the disease.
Throughout his journey, the monarch has gradually resumed a full slate of royal engagements, including international trips and domestic events, while privately managing his health. He has visited cancer centers across the UK, sharing empathetic conversations with patients and staff, and become patron of Cancer Research UK. The King’s message emphasized the transformative power of early screening, noting that it enabled him to maintain an active life despite treatment.
Highlighting alarming statistics—that around 50% of people will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime—Charles urged the public to utilize available screening programs. He praised a new national online Screening Checker tool launched by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, which helps individuals determine eligibility for breast, bowel, and cervical screenings. “Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives,” he stressed, adding that compassion must be paired with action.
The broadcast, part of a longstanding fundraising telethon that has raised millions for research, resonated widely. Public figures and health experts lauded the King’s courage in using his platform to promote prevention. NHS leaders echoed his call amid rising concerns over missed screenings, while charities reported surges in website visits following similar royal health announcements in the past.
Buckingham Palace noted the monarch’s profound gratitude toward medical professionals and his continued thoughts for those affected by cancer. This milestone offers hope not only for the royal family but for millions worldwide, underscoring advances in detection and treatment that turn daunting diagnoses into manageable paths forward. As 2025 draws to a close, King Charles’ words serve as a powerful reminder: proactive health steps can illuminate even the darkest moments.
