King says cancer revealed 'the very best of humanity'

The King has issued a deeply personal and poignant message about living with cancer, saying his experience of the disease had brought into sharp focus the very best of humanity”.

- TARA COBHAM

Charles said his diagnosis is “daunting and at times frightening” as he heaped praise on cancer charities, telling them: “You have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude.”

The 76-year-old monarch’s remarks came in a personal, written message, released to coincide with a Buckingham Palace reception he hosted yesterday to celebrate organisations helping people with the disease.

He described himself as one of the “statistics” among the 390,000 who “sadly” receive a cancer diagnosis across the UK each year – but said he could vouch that it “can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity”.

Charles, who is still undergoing treatment more than a year on from his diagnosis, revealed his cancer journey had given him “an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work” of the charities.

He said it had reinforced how “the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion”.

Charles hailed the late Dame Deborah James as an inspiration, quoting her final message and encouraging everyone to follow her example: “Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.”

Dame Deborah died in June 2022 at the age of 40, five years after she was diagnosed with bowel cancer, and her Bowelbabe fund has raised more than £16m since it was launched.

The King’s message was printed in a booklet given out at the Palace’s Wednesday evening reception to guests, including Dame Deborah’s parents Heather and Alistair.