Charles said he was moved by the community support he had received since his diagnosis. He said he had visited many cancer centres across the country, and was troubled to learn 9 million people in Britain were not up-to-date with cancer screening.
“Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives,” the king said during the televised address. “I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life even while undergoing treatment.”
The king has never revealed what type of cancer he has or the kind of treatment he is receiving. The palace said this was an intentional decision designed to ensure his message reaches the widest possible audience.
“The advice from cancer experts is that, in his determination to support the whole cancer community, it is preferable that His Majesty does not address his own specific condition but rather speaks to those affected by all forms of the disease,” the palace said in a statement.
The news provides some relief to the British royal family almost two years after his diagnosis. Both the King and his daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, have undergone treatment for cancer in that time. Kate announced in January that she was in remission, after completing chemotherapy the previous September.
The monarch suspended public engagements for about two months after his diagnosis so he could focus on his treatment and recovery. But he continued with state business and retained his constitutional role as head of state.
Charles returned to public facing events in April last year, with a visit to a cancer treatment centre at University College Hospital in central London, where he met with staff and shared stories with fellow cancer patients.
He was hospitalised in March after experiencing side effects from his treatment.
With Reuters, AP
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