Britain’s King Charles III described cancer as a "daunting and at times frightening" experience for patients and their loved ones at an event he hosted on Wednesday to laud the "extraordinary work" of cancer charities.
In a message written in a booklet for guests at a Buckingham Palace reception to celebrate organisations helping people with the disease, Charles poignantly reflected on his experience of cancer.
As one of the 1,000 or so people in the UK who receive a cancer diagnosis every day, Charles said he "can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity".
The 76-year-old monarch, who is still undergoing treatment more than a year on from his diagnosis for an undisclosed cancer, added that his experience had reinforced how "the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion".
Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, invited representatives from cancer charities they support, campaigners, and individuals living with cancer, to the royal residence for the reception.
He said his journey had given him "an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work" of charities.
Return to public duties
Also present at the event was the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, Sarah, Duchess of York, who has been treated for skin and breast cancer.
"I think the King is a brilliant example of revolutionising patronage," she said. "He really listens, he wants to fix it, he wants to make a difference".
Though Charles has been increasingly visible in recent months, he was briefly hospitalised last month as a result of "temporary" side effects from a scheduled cancer treatment.
Though no update on the king's health has been provided, his return to public duties has been seen as a signal that his treatment is heading in the right direction.
Charles’ illness came as his daughter-in-law, Kate, the Princess of Wales, was also diagnosed with cancer.
Kate, the wife of Prince William, took more than six months off before returning to public duties in late September.
