In a significant health update, King Charles III revealed that his cancer treatment schedule will be less intensive in the upcoming year. In a prerecorded message shared from Clarence House, the king expressed gratitude for the early diagnosis and effective medical intervention that have allowed him to reduce his treatment. “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 stated.
This announcement marks the first public update on the king’s health in nearly a year. Although a palace source previously described his cancer as a “managed condition,” the king had not provided details since his brief hospitalization for treatment side effects in March 2025. According to Sky News, King Charles has been undergoing weekly treatment since his diagnosis last year.
In the video message, recorded late last month, the king thanked the healthcare professionals who have supported him throughout his journey. He acknowledged the emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis, stating, “I know from my own experience that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Throughout my own cancer journey, I have been profoundly moved by what I can only call the ‘community of care’ that surrounds every cancer patient—the specialists, the nurses, researchers, and volunteers who work tirelessly to save and improve lives.”
A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace confirmed that the king has “responded exceptionally well to treatment.” The spokesperson noted that the decision to share this positive update aims to encourage the public to engage in regular cancer screenings. “His doctors advise that ongoing measures will now move into a precautionary phase,” the spokesperson added, emphasizing that this status will be continuously monitored to ensure the king’s well-being.
When the palace first announced King Charles’s diagnosis, it refrained from specifying the type of cancer but confirmed that it was not prostate cancer. In April 2024, the king took on the role of patron for Cancer Research UK, the largest independent charity in the UK focused on medical breakthroughs in cancer care. In his recent video, he highlighted his progress as a testament to the advancements in cancer research, expressing hope that his experience might inspire others. “I hope it may give encouragement to the 50% of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives,” he remarked.
Sources close to the king reported to Vanity Fair that he is in good spirits and health, with one friend commenting, “He is on wonderful form and looking forward to Christmas.” The king’s message not only serves as an update on his health but also as a call to action for increased awareness and screening for cancer, which affects a significant portion of the population.
As King Charles III continues his journey towards recovery, his openness about his health challenges underscores the importance of early detection and the collective effort of the healthcare community in addressing cancer.
