King Charles III, 77, will appear in a televised video message to discuss his cancer recovery and to urge the importance of screening programmes. His diagnosis was revealed in February 2024 after a January procedure for an enlarged prostate; a royal source said the cancer is not prostate cancer. The message, filmed at Clarence House in late November, is part of the Stand Up To Cancer 2025 campaign and will air on Channel 4 before being posted on the Royal Family’s YouTube channel.
King Charles To Share Personal Cancer Recovery Message On TV, Urges Early Screening
King Charles III, pictured at an Advent Service at London's Westminster Abbey on Wednesday, was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer last year. - Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Buckingham Palace said Britain’s King Charles III will share aspects of his experience with cancer in a pre-recorded video message to be broadcast on UK television on Friday evening.
"Charles, 77, will stress the importance of cancer screening programmes in enabling early diagnosis and will reflect on his own recovery journey," the palace said.
The palace revealed that the King was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024 after a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate in January. A royal source told CNN at the time that the cancer is not prostate cancer, but no further medical details were disclosed.
Charles briefly stepped back from public-facing duties while undergoing weekly outpatient treatment, though he continued to conduct state business. He has since resumed a busy programme of engagements and overseas visits.
His first official appearance following the diagnosis came in April when he visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London to meet patients and clinicians. Around the same time he was announced as a patron of Cancer Research UK; he has also served as patron of Macmillan Cancer Support for nearly three decades.
The message was filmed in late November at Clarence House and forms part of the Stand Up To Cancer 2025 campaign — a joint initiative from Cancer Research UK and broadcaster Channel 4. It will air on Channel 4 at 8 p.m. BST (3 p.m. ET) on Friday and will be uploaded to the Royal Family’s YouTube channel afterwards.
Why this matters: The King's decision to speak publicly about his diagnosis and recovery is intended to encourage early detection through screening and to reduce stigma around cancer care. His high-profile advocacy may boost public awareness and participation in screening programmes.
For further coverage and related updates, see official channels and participating charities involved in Stand Up To Cancer 2025.
