King Charles has candidly described the experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis as “daunting” and “frightening.”
In a heartfelt and deeply personal message, shared 15 months after his own diagnosis, the monarch revealed he drew inspiration from the late Dame Deborah James.
He recalled her courageous words, urging those affected to “find a life worth enjoying, take risks, love deeply, have no regrets, and always have rebellious hope.”
King Charles’ message was part of an invitation to cancer sufferers to Buckingham Palace tonight, where he would recognize the remarkable work of community-based cancer organizations.
The King is himself still undergoing regular treatments as someone ‘living with cancer’, although aides say his recovery continues in a ‘very positive direction, as reflected with the very full national and international diary programme’ he is undertaking.
The personally-penned message has added significance given that his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, was also diagnosed with cancer within weeks of his own last year and underwent preventative chemotherapy.
In his message Charles, 76, takes pains to personally thank those who so ‘selflessly’ work giving care, comfort and reassurance to the 390,000 people who receive a new cancer diagnosis across the UK each year – more than 1,000 a day -as well as those working to treat the disease, research cures and fundraise for them do do so.
‘Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,’ he writes.
‘As one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity,’ he writes.
‘It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years.
‘And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits – that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.’
He added with added poignancy: ‘You have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude.’
The King was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in January last year following routine surgery for an enlarged prostate.
Buckingham Palace have not confirmed what form he has, but have ruled out it being connected with his prostate issue.
They have also not disclosed what treatment he is still undertaking.
But there is little doubt that Charles has been more open about his diagnosis and medical treatment than any other monarch in history.