King Charles has a long history of supporting cancer patients and charities, who are now rallying around him following his own shock diagnosis.
Charles has met hundreds of people suffering from the disease, which he once described as “beastly” in a letter to someone who had just been diagnosed.
The 75-year-old has been a patron of Macmillan Cancer Support for more than 20 years and has visited the centers in Glasgow during that time.Glamorgan and Camden to the north London. He is also the patron of two breast cancer charities.
The monarch’s dedication to advocating for cancer patients is matched by his wife, Queen Camilla, who last Monday attended the official launch of Maggie’s Cancer Support Center at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
Kristina Kyriacou, the king’s former communications secretary, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and today described the support he offered her.
“When the King found out he was immediately very concerned that I had the best advice and asked if there was anything he could do,” she told Good Morning Britain.
“I think he realized that I had the same tireless spirit and that working so hard kept me positive.”
Charles meets Robert Mawhinney during a tour of the North West Cancer Center at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry during a visit to Northern Ireland on May 9, 2017
Charles, while Prince of Wales, talks to Maggie Sinclair at the Sydney Cancer Center at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, March 4, 2005
Nurse Karla Graham smiles as Charles writes his signature on her hospital gown in the liver cancer ward at University Hospital in Liverpool in 2002
The cancer charities that Charles has supported over the decades were among those who sent their best wishes to him today.
Macmillan said: “Our thoughts are with His Majesty the King and his family.
“We send our best wishes at what we know must be an incredibly challenging time.”
Dame Laura Lee, CEO of Maggie’s Cancer Support, said of the announcement: ‘We are incredibly sorry to hear the news from the King and our thoughts are with him.
‘We also know how challenging and worrying a cancer diagnosis can be for the whole family and our thoughts are very much with our President, Her Majesty The Queen.’
Cancer charities are now rallying behind the monarch following his shock diagnosis. He is seen next to patient Stephen White as he receives a liver scan at the University Hospital in Liverpool
Charles in the oncology department at Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith
The monarch’s dedication to advocating for cancer patients is matched by his wife, Queen Camilla, who attended the official launch of Maggie’s cancer support center at the Royal Free Hospital in London last Monday (where she is seen with Viscountess Marcia Blakenham (right)
Professor Pat Price, founder of the Catch Up With Cancer campaign, said the outpouring of well wishes “reflects the collective concern we all share”.
She added: ‘The King’s openness about his battle with cancer is a powerful reminder that one in two of us may be affected by cancer at some point in our lives.’
Judi Rhys, CEO of Tenovus Cancer Care, of which the Princess Royal is a patron, said: ‘We are saddened to hear of the King’s cancer diagnosis and wish him all the best in his treatment and recovery.
“Our thoughts are with the entire Royal Family, including our patron HRH The Princess Royal.”
NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: ‘Finding out you have cancer can be very scary – we hope King Charles’ treatment goes well.
‘As always, if you have any symptoms or signs of cancer, come forward for a check-up.’
Chiara De Biase, director of support and advocacy at Prostate Cancer UK, said: ‘We are saddened to hear of the King’s cancer diagnosis and wish him well as he begins his treatment.
‘While we are aware that the King has not been diagnosed with prostate cancer, no details about his condition have yet been released and we respect Buckingham Palace’s request for people not to speculate.
‘The King’s openness and honesty in announcing his treatment for an enlarged prostate has raised awareness of the condition. We saw a 500% increase in the number of people coming to our website for information and support in the week after the news, and an impact in men wanting to know more about their prostate and prostate cancer, with an increase in the number of men our 30-second online session followed. risk checker.
‘It’s important to remember that an enlarged prostate is very common in men over 50. It is not caused by cancer and it does not increase the chance of getting prostate cancer.’
Cancer Research UK said: ‘We are sorry to hear the news that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer.
“We send our thoughts and good wishes to the King and the Royal Family at this difficult time.”
The Royal House is currently conducting an investigation into royal patronages at dozens of charities and organizations.