King Charles III unveils rare update on cancer diagnosis

Britain's King Charles III offered a rare update on his cancer journey in a video message on Friday evening, revealing that he has responded well to treatment and it will be reduced in the new year, reports CNN.

Charles, 77, described the milestone in his recovery process as "a personal blessing" before hailing "the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years."

"Today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to 'doctor's orders,' my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year," the British monarch said in a pre-filmed clip for Channel 4's Stand Up To Cancer broadcast, which partners on its annual campaign with the charity Cancer Research UK.

Charles announced he had been diagnosed with cancer in February 2024 after undergoing a prostate procedure.

While his treatment is not over, a spokesperson for the King told CNN that "His Majesty has responded exceptionally well to treatment and his doctors advise that ongoing measures will now move into a precautionary phase."

The spokesperson added: "This position will be continuously monitored and reviewed to protect and prioritize his continued recovery."

In his video message, which was filmed at his London residence of Clarence House in late November, Charles reflected on learning about his diagnosis. He said that he knows it "can feel overwhelming" but that he also knows "early detection is the key that can transform treatment journeys, giving invaluable time to medical teams - and, to their patients, the precious gift of hope." He stressed the necessity of cancer screening programs and encouraged people to make use of them to catch the disease quickly because "early diagnosis quite simply saves lives."

"Too often, 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 explained, before highlighting a new national Screening Checker, available online in the UK.