On the last day of April, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace for cancer survivors, cancer activists and people connected with cancer charities. He even invited Sarah Ferguson, who survived breast cancer and skin cancer. Charles and Camilla were also joined by the Gloucesters, randomly enough. The slimmed-down monarchy is very, very slim these days. Ahead of the palace reception, Charles issued a statement about cancer and how his cancer diagnosis changed him. He is still not “cancer free” and he is still receiving weekly treatments, but he has not said what kind of cancer he has. Here is his statement:
My wife and I are delighted to host you here this evening to celebrate, and above all thank those who so selflessly give care, comfort and reassurance to the 390,000 people who, sadly, receive a new cancer diagnosis across the UK each year. That is over 1,000 new cases every single day. Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones. But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.
It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years. And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits – that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.
As patrons of many such organisations, The Queen and I have seen first-hand how you not only fund vital research and deliver exceptional healthcare but also create spaces where patients and their families find sanctuary, understanding and practical assistance when they need it most.
What strikes us repeatedly is the profound impact of human connection – whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer, or the shared experience in a support group. These moments of kinship create what I might call a “community of care”, one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.
So to all the researchers pursuing pioneering breakthroughs, to the healthcare professionals providing specialist treatment, to the volunteers offering comfort, or campaigning to raise awareness and to the fundraisers enabling all this vital work – you have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude. Your commitment to early diagnosis, evermore successful therapies and truly holistic care represents the very best our country can offer.
This collective endeavour reminds us of what we can achieve when we are united with common purpose and determination. 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. And to those who may be receiving such upsetting news today, tomorrow or at any point in the future, I can only echo the departing words of the late Dame Deborah James, whose parents I am delighted to have with us here this evening, and whose example stands as an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health.
“Find a life worth enjoying, take risks, love deeply, have no regrets and always, always have rebellious hope.” I am so very grateful for all that you do.
On one side, I genuinely think Charles has handled his “royal duties” with grace and humanity during his cancer battle, and I appreciate the fact that he’s going into cancer wards and meeting with people who are doing work on the ground. I’m sure everyone at the reception appreciated his words and his role in the community of cancer patients, cancer survivors and cancer caregivers. On the other side, I find it interesting that Charles still has not made any larger reflections on the state of his family, his relationships with his sons and his grandchildren. If anything, it feels like his cancer battle has made his estrangement from the Sussexes even more profound, and William simply behaves as if Charles already had one foot in the pyre. It’s strange that Charles can’t show this kind of grace and humanity on a personal level, you know?
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.
