Queen Camilla says keeping King Charles’ cancer diagnosis private was ‘difficult’

Britain's Queen Camilla has discussed the challenge of not disclosing her husband, King Charles III's cancer diagnosis when she visited a support charity shortly after his diagnosis. Buckingham Palace announced the King's unexpected diagnosis in February 2024 and that he had commenced regular treatments, though the specific type of cancer has not been disclosed.

In a short video made between the Palace and cancer support charity Maggie's, of which Camilla is president, the Queen recounted her visit to one of its centers just after the King's diagnosis. She explained, "Nobody could say anything at the time. That was quite difficult," adding that she felt "I almost said something but, you know, I felt that it wasn't the time to say."

Camilla noted that she was "just longing to let it out but obviously I couldn't." She also highlighted the significant role played by Maggie's, with 27 centers across the UK established in the grounds of hospitals. The Queen observed the suffering of those around her and realized the importance of these facilities. In a televised speech last December, King Charles, 77, mentioned that thanks to early diagnosis, effective treatment, and adherence to medical orders, the treatment schedule would be reduced by 2026.

Camilla emphasized that her husband had refused to let the diagnosis deter him from fulfilling public duties, stating, "Nothing stopped him. He just said: 'This is my way. I'm going to cope with it.'"