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BRITAIN’S KING CHARLES III has announced that his cancer treatment is being reduced in the new year.
The British monarch shared the update on his health as part of a video message in support of the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, which was started by Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK to raise funds and promote cancer screening.
The 77-year-old was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 while he was treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate.
He returned to public-facing duties in April last year, despite still undergoing weekly treatment.
Last December, Buckingham Palace sources told Sky News that his treatment “has been moving in a positive direction and as a managed condition the treatment cycle will continue into next year”.
This is believed to be weekly visits to the London Clinic. But these sessions are now to be significantly cut back.
In the video message, Charles said: “Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.
A special message from The King, in support of Stand Up To Cancer. 🧡
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 12, 2025
As part of this year’s @SU2CUK campaign, @CR_UK and @Channel4, with support from the @NHS, have launched a nationwide Screening Checker to help people find out which cancer screening programmes they are… pic.twitter.com/K5kSQ0Utx3
“Now, I have heard this message repeatedly during my visits to cancer centres across the country. 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.
“Indeed, today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders’, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year.
“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years; testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the 50% of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives.”
His video message was aired during a Channel 4 night of comedy, entertainment and awareness-raising for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign.
The British head of state also praised “remarkable advances” in cancer care that made his positive health update possible, but it is not known what form his treatment takes.
His form of cancer has not been disclosed on the advice of experts so he can engage with all cancer patients, and it is not known how long he will require treatment.
Speaking in the pre-recorded messaged, he said “at least nine million opportunities for early diagnosis” being missed as this number of people had not taken up cancer screenings that are available.
Charles gave the example of bowel cancer where, if caught early, nine in 10 people survive for at least five years, but if diagnosed late that falls to one in 10.
“I am told people avoid screening because they imagine it may be frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable. If and when they do finally take up their invitation, they are glad they took part.”
He added: “As I have observed before, the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.
“But compassion must be paired with action. This December, as we gather to reflect on the year past, I pray that we can each pledge, as part of our resolutions for the year ahead, to play our part in helping to catch cancer early.
“Your life – or the life of someone you love – may depend upon it.”
With reporting from Press Association
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