LONDON — King Charles III has shared “good news” about his cancer treatment, saying early diagnosis and effective intervention mean the intensity of his treatment will be reduced in the new year.

In a recorded message broadcast on Channel 4 during the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, the King said his progress was both a personal milestone and evidence of advances in cancer care.

“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care,” he said.

Buckingham Palace said the King has responded exceptionally well to treatment and has now entered what doctors describe as a precautionary phase. While treatment and monitoring will continue, the regularity of treatment will be significantly reduced.

Palace sources stressed that the 77-year-old monarch is not being described as cured or in remission.

“This is the biggest update on the King’s health since he disclosed his diagnosis in February 2024,” royal sources said.

The type of cancer has not been publicly identified. In his message, the King emphasized the importance of early detection, saying: “Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.”

He described how a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming but said early detection can transform outcomes by giving medical teams valuable time. “Your life, or the life of someone you love, may depend upon it,” he said.

The King also paid tribute to what he called the “community of care” surrounding cancer patients, including specialists, nurses, researchers and volunteers.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the update, calling it a “powerful message” and saying the country would be relieved to hear the King’s treatment will be scaled back.

The message formed part of the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, which encourages people to participate in screening programmes.

The King said he was deeply concerned that millions of people in the UK remain overdue for cancer screenings, calling them missed opportunities to detect the disease early.

Royal sources said references to bowel cancer in the speech were intended to illustrate the benefits of early diagnosis and were not linked to the King’s own condition.

The King has continued to carry out public duties throughout his treatment, including overseas visits and hosting state guests, and recently attended an Advent service at Westminster Abbey where he spoke of hope and resilience. — BBC