The King has spoken of the importance of a ”life worth enjoying” as he revealed the impact that his cancer diagnosis had had on him.

And he turned to the words of Dame Deborah James, whose inspirational work to raise awareness of bowel cancer touched many. His Majesty said ”I can only echo the departing words of the late Dame Deborah James, whose parents I am delighted to have with us here this evening, and whose example stands as an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health: “Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.”

King Charles, with Queen Camilla, spoke powerfully about the emotional impact of cancer as a reception took place at Buckingham Palace for those involved in community based cancer support.

In a message released as the reception started, The King said ”Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for
those individuals and their loved ones. But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.”

Sarah, Duchess of York was also at the event – she has been treated for breast and skin cancer.

The Duchess of Gloucester also joined The King and Queen at the reception which gathered hundreds of people whose lives have been impacted by cancer and who have supported those living with it.

King Charles thanked them for their work and added ”What strikes us repeatedly is the profound impact of human connection – whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer, or the shared experience in a support group. These moments of kinship create what I might call a “community of care”, one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.”

His Majesty is still undergoing treatment for cancer. He was diagnosed in early 2024 after a routine operation.