King Charles III | Princess Catherine of Wales | Source: Getty ImagesFrom King Charles to Princess Kate — Who Are the Royal Family Members Diagnosed with Cancer?The news of cancer diagnoses within the royal family has resurfaced, not as a tale of one, but of multiple struggles against the disease. Recently, two prominent members of the royal family announced their battles with cancer. In the face of these diagnoses, other royal family members have shared their love and support.
Princess Catherine and King Charles III at the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince William, and Princess Catherine before the The Diplomatic Reception in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace on December 05, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty ImagesKing Charles III and Princess Catherine have shown tremendous fortitude in publicizing their personal health challenges with cancer in recent months. This open acknowledgment has set the stage for a cascade of support and solidarity from their family members and the general public, illuminating the personal side of the royals we often see as indomitable.King Charles III’s DiagnosisKing Charles III, on February 5, 2024, confirmed through an official royal statement that he is battling cancer. In the wake of a hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, another pressing health concern was detected. Subsequent tests revealed a form of cancer, marking the start of the King’s ongoing treatment schedule. Medical professionals have advised the King to limit public-facing duties while he engages in regular treatments. However, he continues to attend to State business and official paperwork.
King Charles III during the state tour of France at the British Ambassador’s residence on September 20, 2023 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
King Charles at the Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on February 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
King Charles at the Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on February 11, 2024 | Source: Getty ImagesThe swift intervention by his medical team, thanks to the recent procedure, was something the King felt grateful for. His Majesty’s resolve remains undaunted, as he is optimistic about his treatment and keen to resume his full slate of public duties at the earliest opportunity.
King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on February 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
King Charles reading cards sent by well-wishers following his cancer diagnosis, in the 18th Century Room of the Belgian Suite at Buckingham Palace on February 21, 2024 in London, England | Source: Getty ImagesKing Charles has been profoundly affected by the outpouring of support following his diagnosis. During his first public meeting with British Prime Minister Rishu Sunak since the announcement, a moment captured by Sky News, the King humorously credited mirrors for his well appearance, expressing his deep appreciation for the heartwarming messages and cards he’s received. “It’s reduced me to tears most of the time,” he said.
King Charles reading cards sent by well-wishers following his cancer diagnosis, in the 18th Century Room of the Belgian Suite at Buckingham Palace on February 21, 2024 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and King Charles III meet at Buckingham Palace, in central London, on February 21, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and King Charles III meet at Buckingham Palace, in central London, on February 21, 2024 | Source: Getty ImagesThis exchange with Prime Minister Sunak underscored not only King Charles’s positive spirits but also the heightened attention on cancer awareness and charities. Such a spotlight, he believes, can only benefit the larger battle against this illness. A statement was also shared on X, in which the King said that the messages of support were a source of “comfort and encouragement.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and King Charles III meet at Buckingham Palace, in central London, on February 21, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and King Charles III meet at Buckingham Palace, in central London, on February 21, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine, Prince William, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla at the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication for King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and the presentation of the Honours of Scotland on July 5, 2023 in Edinburgh, Scotland | Source: Getty ImagesKing Charles III also shared that he was heartened to know that by sharing his own cancer diagnosis, he had helped bring awareness to the condition and to the organizations that support cancer patients and their loved ones in the UK. He shared that he had a “lifelong admiration” for their efforts.
Princees Catherine, Prince William, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla at the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication for King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and the presentation of the Honours of Scotland on July 5, 2023 in Edinburgh, Scotland | Source: Getty Images
Prince William and King Charles III at the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 12, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Prince William and King Charles III at the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 12, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty ImagesPrince William has stepped in to cover many official duties in his father’s stead. Meanwhile, Prince Harry, despite the distance and recent tensions within the royal family, made a prompt visit to his father following the diagnosis. Royal expert Katie Nicholl noted this as a potentially emotional reunion, given the circumstances and the time lapsed since their last encounter.Princess Catherine’s Brave AnnouncementOn her official royal Instagram page, Princess Catherine revealed her cancer diagnosis with characteristic grace and fortitude. Following abdominal surgery in January, what was believed to be a non-cancerous condition took a serious turn when further tests revealed cancer. “Preventative chemotherapy” became the recommended course of action, marking a new, unexpected chapter in the Princess’s life.
Princess Catherine during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on November 22, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine at the Ceremonial Welcome at Horse Guards Parade for President Cyril Ramaphosa on day 1 of his State Visit to the United Kingdom on November 22, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty ImagesThe news, as expected, came as a profound shock, prompting Princess Catherine and Prince William to seek privacy and time to process the development and communicate it to their young children. Princess Catherine revealed that she had taken time to recover from her surgery and then to start chemotherapy treatment and explain everything to her children in a way that was appropriate for them.
Princess Catherine and Prince William with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine and Prince William with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis at the Royal Carols – Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Princess Catherine, Prince William, Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis on the balcony of Buckingham Palace watching a fly-past of aircraft by the Royal Air Force during Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty ImagesIn a statement imbued with resilience and hope, the Princess of Wales expressed her growing strength day by day, attributing much of it to the support from her husband, William. She sought the understanding of the public for her need for privacy during her ongoing treatment and reached out with words of solidarity to others facing cancer: “You are not alone.”
