‘Rebellious hope’: How King Charles survives ‘frightening’ cancer experience

King Charles has told a Buckingham Palace reception his cancer diagnosis in early 2024 had taught him to ‘find a life worth living, take risks and love deeply.’

Queen Camilla and King Charles in Italy last month. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

King Charles has told cancer sufferers at a Buckingham Palace reception to “always, always have rebellious hope’’.

The King, 76, who has been receiving treatment for cancer since February 2024, repeated the words of British cancer sufferer Dame Deborah James, 40, who died several years ago after a tireless campaign raising awareness of bowel cancer.

While not giving any more information about his own personal battles, or any details about the type of cancer he is being treated for, the King said he could only echo the departing words of Ms James who said: “Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.”

Charles held the palace reception for those working in community-based cancer support. He said receiving a cancer diagnosis could be “daunting and at times a frightening experience”. 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.”

King Charles speaks with actor Richard E Grant and broadcaster Adele Roberts during a reception in celebration of community-based initiatives raising awareness about cancer at Buckingham Palace. Picture: Andrew Matthews /Getty Images

Charles then said in a personal note: “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.”

Both the King and his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer within weeks of each other in early 2024. Catherine announced late last year that she had completed a gruelling program of chemotherapy and was in remission.

Charles’s cancer was discovered after he had undergone surgery for an unrelated prostate issue. He has continued to receive weekly treatment in and around his public duties, including a short trip to Australia and the Pacific, and a most recent trip to Rome and the Vatican City where he and Queen Camilla met Pope Francis.

Queen Camilla and King Charles speak with presenter Lorraine Kelly and the members of the Change + Check Choir at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. Picture: Andrew Matthews /AFP

The Queen has often remarked that she has difficulty getting her husband to slow down. At the end of March he suffered some side effects of the treatment and had to cancel several days of engagements.

Charles will front next week’s 80th anniversary of VE Day including a reception for veterans and Victoria and George Cross recipients at Windsor Castle, a service at Westminster Abbey and a concert.

The King said that 390,000 people receive a new cancer diagnosis in the United Kingdom each year and he thanked “all those who so selflessly give care, comfort and reassurance.” He added his own experience had certainly given him an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals who had gathered at the palace for the reception.

He added: “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.’’