Britain’s King Charles III has announced that his cancer treatment will soon be scaled back, crediting an early diagnosis, effective intervention, and strict adherence to medical guidance for improvements in his health.
In a televised message aired Friday supporting the Stand Up to Cancer charity campaign, Charles described his progress as “both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care.” Buckingham Palace did not confirm whether the king’s cancer is in remission but said he has “responded exceptionally well” to treatment, which will now enter a precautionary phase that will be continuously monitored to ensure his continued recovery.
Charles first revealed his cancer diagnosis in February 2024, less than 18 months after ascending the throne. In his address, he acknowledged how overwhelming a cancer diagnosis can feel and praised the “community of care” that surrounds patients. The king has not disclosed the type or stage of his cancer, following advice from medical experts that he focus on supporting all those affected by the disease rather than discussing his own condition.
Despite undergoing treatment, Charles resumed public duties just two months after his diagnosis. He spent a short period in the hospital in March due to side effects from treatment, though details of his stay were not released. Throughout the year, he has maintained a busy schedule, hosting a state visit from President Donald Trump in September, attending Holocaust Memorial Day at Auschwitz-Birkenau in January, and meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in October. Buckingham Palace noted that he has found encouragement in continuing a full and active public life during his treatment.
The announcement comes amid ongoing public scrutiny of the royal family, particularly following Charles’ decision to strip his younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, of his royal titles in October after renewed questions about Andrew’s association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.