London: Queen Camilla has spoken publicly for the first time about the difficulty of keeping King Charles’ cancer diagnosis private after the British monarch was diagnosed in early 2024.
Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024 that King Charles was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. The King remains under medical care, although treatment was later reduced following an early diagnosis and effective intervention.
Camilla discussed the experience during a video released by Maggie’s, a cancer support charity, to mark its 30th anniversary. The Queen is president of the organisation. The conversation was recorded during a visit to a Maggie’s cancer support centre at a London hospital, shortly before Buckingham Palace publicly announced the King’s diagnosis.
Camilla said it had been particularly difficult to remain silent about the illness while meeting cancer patients and their families at the centre.
The Queen recalled wanting to discuss the King’s diagnosis but deciding that it was not the appropriate moment. The experience also reinforced the importance of cancer support centres for patients and their families.
Camilla also spoke about the King’s determination to continue working while undergoing treatment. The Queen described the King’s approach to dealing with the illness as continuing with work rather than allowing the diagnosis to stop normal activities.
Maggie’s Chief Executive Laura Lee said the King’s decision to speak openly about the diagnosis had encouraged other people affected by cancer to discuss their own experiences more openly.
Lee also said Camilla’s comments highlighted the importance of providing support not only to people undergoing cancer treatment but also to their relatives and friends.
The King and other members of the royal family have previously spoken publicly about cancer, helping raise awareness about the disease and the emotional impact of diagnosis and treatment on families.
Camilla’s latest comments offer a rare personal insight into the period surrounding the King’s diagnosis and the challenge of supporting a spouse while maintaining the privacy surrounding a major health matter.
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