LONDON (AP) — King Charles III will talk about his cancer diagnosis and recovery in a television broadcast Friday, as the monarch continues to use his personal story to encourage others to get early screening to improve their chances of survival.
The recorded message, which will be broadcast on Britain’s Channel 4 at 8pm, gives Charles a chance to reflect on the 22 months since it was announced he would be receiving treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.
Charles’ decision to reveal his diagnosis is a departure for members of the British royal family, who have traditionally viewed their health as a personal matter and rarely share details with the public.
Buckingham Palace said at the time: “His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope that it will help the public understand all people living with cancer around the world.”
Since then, Charles has used his story to highlight the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Cancer Research UK recorded a 33% increase in visits to its website in the weeks following the King’s diagnosis as people sought information about the signs of cancer.
While the palace did not specify what type of cancer the king had, officials said the cancer was discovered after treatment for an enlarged prostate, revealing “another cause for concern.”
The king suspended public activities for about two months after his diagnosis so that he could focus on treatment and recovery. But he continued to engage in state affairs and retained his constitutional status as head of state.
Last April, Charles returned to public life and visited a cancer treatment center at University College Hospital in central London, where he met staff and shared stories with other cancer patients.
“It’s always a little bit of a shock when they tell you, isn’t it?” he sympathized as chemotherapy drugs were dripped into one patient’s arm.