I’m sure you can all join me in welcoming the news that the King’s cancer treatment plan will be reduced in the New Year. On Friday, Charles gave the nation a much needed boost in the run up to Christmas by revealing that his schedule of treatment will decrease in early 2026.
As he urged people to book cancer screening appointments to ensure early detection of the disease, the 77-year-old monarch said: “I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment.
“Indeed, today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders’, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the New Year.
“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years; testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the 50 percent of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives.”
The past two years have been a tricky one for the King, following his and the Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnoses in quick succession. In January we were able to celebrate the news that Catherine is in remission, having completed her course of treatment in September, and while the King is not out of the woods yet, a reduction in his schedule confirms the Palace message that his treatment is heading in a positive direction.
Indeed, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson clarified: “His Majesty has responded exceptionally well to treatment and his doctors advise that ongoing measures will now move into a precautionary phase. This position will be continuously monitored and reviewed to protect and prioritise his continued recovery.”
His message was also a reminder that the King is determined to use his privileged position for good, and aims to reach out directly to the 9 million people in the UK who Cancer Research UK says are not up to date with NHS screening schemes.
Charles is determined to focus on the good that has come from his diagnosis, that he has helped improve public understanding of cancer, destigmatise the treatment journey and encourage conversations about difficult topics.
Most importantly, the King aims to educate about the importance of early diagnosis and why people shouldn’t be afraid of getting checked.
The Carolean era is one of care, compassion and kindness and this is no clearer seen than when the King chooses to speak to the nation directly in ways such as this. As we look to the New Year, let’s keep the King and all those battling cancer in our utmost thoughts.
Queen’s festive gift
Every year, the Queen invited seriously ill children to decorate her Christmas tree, meet Father Christmas and enjoy a festive feast. It’s one of the December highlights of the royal calendar, and showcases Camilla’s knack with youngsters and empathy for the families facing uncertain futures.
It’s so heartwarming to see the sheer joy on the children’s faces as they meet Santa and his reindeer and get stuck in with decorating the tree.
This year the Queen gifted the youngsters a book, the recently released The Guard Mouse by Don Freeman. The original 1960s children’s book follows a mouse working at Buckingham Palace and has been republished by the Royal Collection Trust.
It’s a beautiful tradition that is now in its 20th year, and brings much welcome festive cheer to children with life-shortening conditions. Long may it continue as a bit of sparkle and joy is just what the doctor ordered.
