King Charles III’s cancer treatment will continue into 2025, with Buckingham Palace confirming that the monarch’s health is “moving in a positive direction.” Despite being diagnosed last February, the palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer Charles, 76, is battling—a decision made for a meaningful reason.
According to a source cited by The Times, the King chose to keep details of his diagnosis private to ensure he could resonate with a broader audience facing similar health challenges. “This was a conscious choice to avoid narrowing the focus to a particular type of cancer,” the source explained, highlighting his intent to support all individuals navigating the disease.
The news of Charles’ diagnosis was first revealed on February 5, following his treatment for an enlarged prostate. During his recovery, the King temporarily stepped back from public duties but continued to manage state paperwork and hold private meetings.
By late April, Buckingham Palace announced Charles would resume limited public appearances. Shortly after, he and Queen Camilla visited the Macmillan Cancer Centre at University College London Hospital, where Charles was named the new patron of Cancer Research UK.
Throughout the year, the King has balanced his treatment with significant public engagements. In June, he presided over Trooping the Colour celebrations and later attended D-Day commemorations in France. He also appointed Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer as his third prime minister in July and presided over the State Opening of Parliament in October.
In addition, the King and Queen undertook a tour of Australia and Samoa in October and hosted the Emir of Qatar for a state visit in December. Despite regular visits to London for his medical appointments, Charles has demonstrated his resilience and commitment to his royal duties.
The King’s diagnosis follows a challenging year for the royal family, with Princess Kate also completing her chemotherapy in September after her own cancer diagnosis. Kate, 42, has gradually resumed her royal responsibilities and made her first public appearance at Trooping the Colour in June.
Charles, who became the nation’s longest-serving heir to the throne before ascending to kingship in September 2022, has taken a thoughtful approach to his health journey. By keeping his diagnosis private, he hopes to inspire and support a wide community of individuals facing cancer while fulfilling his responsibilities as monarch.
