KING Charles says cancer diagnosis is “daunting and at times frightening” but the “darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion” as he hails health heroes.
Charles, who has been treated for cancer every week for more than a year, penned an optimistic message saying “cancer diagnosis need never mean facing the future without hope and support”.
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He described how he and Queen Camilla had both seen “first hand” work of health care professionals and those behind cancer research breakthroughs saying they “have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude”.
And hailed Sun columnist Dame Deborah James, who died of bowel cancer in 2022, as “an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health”.
Tonight he is hosting a reception at Buckingham Palace to “celebrate and above all thank” health heroes who “selflessly give care, comfort and reassurance” to the 1,000 people every day diagnosed with cancer.
In a written message for the event, he added: “But 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.”
Among the guests at the palace today include Alistair and Heather James, parents of Bowelbabe Dame Deborah.
In his message he celebrated Dame Debs, who died in June 2022 aged just 40-years-old, and echoed her words of support for “those who may be receiving such upsetting news today, tomorrow or at any point in the future.”
Quoting Debs, he said: “‘Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.”
Charles, 76, is having weekly cancer treatment fourteen months after his diagnosis.
The Princess of Wales, 43, who is in remission, has also been on a long cancer struggle.
The King is joined by Camilla and The Duchess of Gloucester at the Community Based Cancer Support Reception at Buckingham Palace which kicks off at 6.15pm.
Writing in the event’s programme the King says: “My wife and I are delighted to host you here this evening to celebrate and above all thank those who so selflessly give care, comfort and reassurance to the 390,000 people who, sadly, receive a new cancer diagnosis across the U.K. each year. That is over 1,000 new cases every single day.
“Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones. But 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.
“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.
“As patrons of many such organisations, The Queen and I have seen at first-hand how you not only fund vital research and deliver exceptional healthcare but also create spaces where patients and their families find sanctuary, understanding and practical assistance when they need it most.
“What strikes us repeatedly is the profound impact of human connection – whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer, or the shared experience in a support group.
“These moments of kinship create what I might call a “community of care”, one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.
“So to all the researchers pursuing pioneering breakthroughs; to the healthcare professionals providing specialist treatment; to the volunteers offering comfort, or campaigning to raise awareness; and to the fundraisers enabling all this vital work – you have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude.
“Your commitment to early diagnosis, evermore successful therapies and truly holistic care represents the very best our country can offer.
“This collective endeavour reminds us of what we can achieve when we are united with common purpose and uncommon determination. While every patient’s journey may be different, together you are ensuring that a cancer diagnosis need never mean facing the future without hope and support.
“And to those who may be receiving such upsetting news today, tomorrow or at any point in the future, I can only echo the departing words of the late Dame Deborah James, whose parents I am delighted to have with us here this evening, and whose example stands as an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health: ‘Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.’ I am so very grateful for all that you do. Charles R.”
Charles was taken to hospital last night after side effects from his cancer treatment and forced to cancel a string of engagements.
But he was able to carry out a State Visit to Italy although unable to see his wayward son Harry when he jetted in 24 hours before the trip as he was having his weekly cancer treatment.
Other guests at the Community Based Cancer Support Reception includes heroes of cancer charities and people living with cancer including Adele Roberts, Ashley Cain, Richard E Grant.
Charity heroes thanked at the palace included those from The King and Queen’s patronages, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, Maggie’s and Children’s Hospice South West.
The King and Queen are also to watch a short performance by the ITV Change + Check Choir which is made up of 26 women who all spotted their breast cancer symptoms after seeing the awareness campaign on Lorraine Kelly’s ITV1 programme Lorraine.
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