In a tribute to those leading the fight against cancer across the UK, King Charles and Queen Camilla, accompanied by The Duchess of Gloucester, hosted a special reception recognising the invaluable work of community-based cancer care initiatives.
Held in support of projects that not only raise awareness around cancer prevention but also work to destigmatise the lived experience of cancer, the event brought together a powerful coalition of medical professionals, charity workers, survivors, and advocates.
The King met with those who have used their platform to raise awareness around cancer. (Royal Family)
Charles is still undergoing regular treatments for his own cancer and has been described as someone who is ‘living with cancer’. However, Buckingham Palace aides have stated that His Majesty’s recovery is continuing in a positive direction, as demonstrated by his full diary both in the UK and overseas.
Ahead of the evening’s reception, The King shared a personal message of encouragement to all those involved in cancer care and support, extending solidarity to individuals currently navigating a diagnosis and the challenges that follow.
His Majesty began his message by acknowledging the staggering number of people – over 390,000 – diagnosed with cancer in the UK each year and stated that each diagnosis ‘will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones’ but added that ‘it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity’.
The King, himself recently counted among those statistics, spoke with moving honesty about the emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis. His experience has, he shared, only deepened his appreciation for the extraordinary work done by those who provide medical care. He added how his diagnosis has ‘reinforced what I have long observed during these visits – that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion’.
He concluded with a powerful message of solidarity and encouragement. Referencing the inspirational words of the late Dame Deborah James, The King reminded all those currently facing or about to face a cancer diagnosis that hope, joy, and meaning are still within reach. Quoting her motto of ‘rebellious hope’, he called on everyone to find strength in one another and to continue working together with ‘common purpose and uncommon determination”. He concluded by saying ‘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’.
The Duchess of Gloucester joined Charles and Camilla in praising community-based cancer initiatives. (Royal Family)
The royal hosts welcomed representatives from Their Majesties’ patronages, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, Maggie’s, and Children’s Hospice South West.
Throughout the venue, guests were invited to explore displays showcasing innovative and compassionate community work. Highlights included Move Dance Feel, which brings together women affected by cancer through the healing power of dance; Rainbow Boxes, offering essential comfort items for individuals beginning treatment; and Wigs for Heroes, a charity providing wigs and support to those experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy.
The reception also honoured the presence and advocacy of prominent figures living with or affected by cancer. Guests included radio presenter and cancer awareness advocate Adele Roberts; TV personality and charity founder Ashley Cain; actor and author Richard E Grant; Maren Sheldon, co-founder of CoppaFeel! and twin sister of the late Kris Hallenga; and Heather and Alistair James, parents of the late Dame Deborah James, whose tireless campaigning for bowel cancer awareness left a lasting legacy.
