Royal News

King Charles breaks silence with rare televised update on his cancer journey


The King was diagnosed with cancer two years ago


The meeting was part of a larger initiative in partnership with cultural platform Liberatum, which honored Cacique Raoni, one of Brazil’s most respected indigenous leaders© AARON CHOWN
Maria LoretoSenior Writer
DECEMBER 12, 2025 4:21 PM EST

King Charles is sharing a rare update regarding his cancer treatment. In a video message, Charles shared an update on his illness, which he was diagnosed with two years ago, and has been a topic that's been rarely discussed with the media.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: (EDITORIAL USE ON (L-R) Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales pose for a photograph ahead of The Diplomatic Reception in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace on December 05, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images For Buckingham Palace)© Getty Images
King Charles has shared a rare update regarding his cancer diagnosis

The 77-year-old King spoke to the camera, revealing that his cancer treatment would be scaled back due to his health improvements. He credits his early diagnosis to the positive results. 

"Today, I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention, and doctors' orders, my own schedule of cancer treatments can be reduced in the New Year," he said. “This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care." 

The rift between England and Vatican City began 500 years ago, when Pope Clement VII refused to annul King Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon© Getty Images
Over the past year, the King has been busy on various royal engagements, including trips and meeting heads of state

Charles shared the news on Friday in support of the Stand Up to Cancer charity. “I know from my own experience that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming,” he said, revealing that he was “profoundly moved by what I can only call the ‘community of care’ that surrounds every cancer patient.”

While the King didn't say that he was cancer-free or that his treatments would end at some point soon, this marks the first bit of positive news regarding his health since 2024. That same year, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, was also diagnosed with cancer. Earlier this year, she announced that she was in remission after completing her chemotherapy treatments at the end of 2024. 

King Charles' health over the past couple of years

The meeting was part of a larger initiative in partnership with cultural platform Liberatum, which honored Cacique Raoni, one of Brazil’s most respected indigenous leaders© AARON CHOWN
The positive news mark the first positive health development when it comes to the King's health since 2024

In February 2024, King Charles shared the news of his cancer diagnosis, claiming that he made the news public in order to "prevent speculation" and boost understanding for the many people all over the world who are diagnosed with the same illness.

The King and Buckingham Palace have kept news of his cancer very private over the past couple of years. Last March, Charles was briefly hospitalized due to the side effects of the treatment, prompting some concern from the public.

Over the past year, Charles has been involved in many engagements, including welcoming President Donald Trump for a state visit and traveling within various locations in Europe, including the Vatican. According to a spokesperson from Buckingham Palace, the King has "taken great comfort and encouragement from being able to continue leading a full and active life throughout his treatment." 

In recent months, Charles has been grappling with the scandal surrounding his younger brother, Prince Andrew, who was stripped off his royal titles due to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.  

King Charles removes Prince Andrew’s titles, announces his Royal Lodge exit: 'These censures are deemed necessary'© Max Mumby/Indigo
Over the past months, Charles has been dealing with the fallout of Prince Andrew's scandal