On December 13, 2025, the United Kingdom watched as King Charles III delivered a deeply personal message during Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer telethon—a rare move for a British monarch, but one that has sent ripples of hope, encouragement, and action across the nation. In his broadcast, the 77-year-old king shared an update on his cancer treatment, urged the public to take advantage of screening programs, and reflected candidly on the emotional journey of facing a cancer diagnosis.
"Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives," King Charles said in his video statement, which was recorded at Clarence House two weeks prior to its airing. He went on to share that his own treatment schedule would be reduced in the coming year, a milestone he credited to "early diagnosis, effective intervention, and adherence to doctors' orders." According to the BBC, the king emphasized that early detection had allowed him to "continue leading a full and active life even while undergoing treatment."
The king’s message was not just about his own recovery. He expressed concern that some nine million people across the UK are not up to date with their available cancer screenings, describing this as "at least nine million opportunities for early diagnosis being missed." He acknowledged that many avoid screening out of fear, embarrassment, or discomfort, but urged, "A few moments of minor inconvenience are a small price to pay for the reassurance that comes for most people when they are either told they don't need further tests or, for some, are given the chance to enable early detection, with the life-saving intervention that can follow."
The impact of the king’s candor was immediate and measurable. Cancer Research UK reported that around 100,000 people visited its new online screening checker since its launch on December 5, with the majority of visits occurring after the king’s broadcast. The tool helps people determine their eligibility for NHS and Public Health Agency cancer screenings in their local area. Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, told The Mirror, "When public figures speak openly about their cancer diagnosis, it can prompt others to check in on their health. Spotting cancer early can make a real difference and provides the best chance for successful treatment."
King Charles first revealed his cancer diagnosis in February 2024, following treatment for an enlarged prostate. While his doctors ruled out prostate cancer, further tests discovered "a separate issue of concern." Since then, he has received regular outpatient treatment, suspended public appearances for about two months, and has since returned to visit cancer centers and share stories with fellow patients. The palace has been careful to protect the king’s privacy, declining to disclose the specific type of cancer or the details of his treatment. This, they say, is a deliberate choice to ensure the king’s message reaches the widest possible audience and focuses attention on the importance of screening and early detection.
Following the broadcast, Buckingham Palace expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. A spokesperson said, "I know His Majesty will be greatly encouraged and deeply touched by the very positive reaction his message has generated. He will be particularly pleased at the way it has helped to shine a light on the benefits of cancer screening programmes. It has long been the King’s view that if some public good can come from sharing elements of his personal diagnosis and treatment journey, then it would be his pleasure and duty to do so." The palace also noted the scale and sensitivity of the media reaction, as well as the many kind comments received from those working in cancer care and from the public.
The king’s openness has been widely praised by health professionals, charities, and political leaders. Clare Garnsey, associate medical director of the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, told BBC Breakfast, "I think the message was very powerful about the importance of early diagnosis and how important it is that we all attend for our screening." She added that hearing from someone in a position of influence, such as the king, helps drive home the message that cancer "can happen to anybody," and raises awareness of potential symptoms.
Jonathan Dimbleby, the king’s authorized biographer and close friend, described the statement as "quite extraordinary and it has great impact." Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he remarked, "It makes you recognise [...] that it's not a death sentence. The fact that he came out and did that will save lives, and people will be less frightened of saying 'we must go and get a test'." Dimbleby also reflected on how, in the past, the word cancer was "hardly usable," and noted the courage it took for the king to speak so publicly about his diagnosis.
The ripple effect of the king’s message was felt not just among patients and the public, but also within the medical community. Dr. Harrison Carter, director of screening at NHS England, said the health service "fully supported" the king’s call for people to attend screening tests. "So, when your NHS screening invite arrives, whether it's for cervical or breast screening, or a bowel cancer testing kit through the post, please do make time to take it up." The NHS currently offers three cancer screening programs—bowel, breast, and cervical—available to certain age groups, with the goal of detecting cancer before symptoms even appear.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the king’s message "powerful" and said he was "glad" that the king’s treatment would be reduced in the new year. Macmillan Cancer Support also expressed gratitude, stating, "We are incredibly grateful to His Majesty the King for continuing to share his experience of cancer with such openness and honesty. The King's reminder of the importance of screening and early detection is an important message for us all."
King Charles’s advocacy is not new; he has served as patron of Macmillan Cancer Support for nearly three decades and became patron of Cancer Research UK following his diagnosis. The Stand Up To Cancer campaign, a partnership between Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, aims to accelerate progress in cancer research and raise awareness of the disease’s signs and symptoms. The king’s participation this year has brought unprecedented attention to the cause, reinforcing the message that cancer is not a death sentence and that early action can make all the difference.
Meanwhile, the royal family’s openness about health struggles has not been limited to the king. The Princess of Wales announced her own cancer diagnosis six weeks after her father-in-law and stated in January 2025 that her cancer is in remission. Their willingness to share their stories has helped to destigmatize cancer and encourage more people to seek screening and support.
As the king’s treatment moves into a precautionary phase, his journey stands as a testament to the power of early detection, the importance of public health messaging, and the courage it takes to speak openly about illness. For many across the UK, his words have offered not just information, but a renewed sense of hope and solidarity in the fight against cancer.
