King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for a visit to the RHS Sandringham Flower Show. (Photo: Reuters)
‘I almost said something’, says Queen Camilla
On January 31, 2024, Camilla opened a new Maggie’s center at the Royal Free Hospital in London. Buckingham Palace announced the cancer diagnosis on February 5. Buckingham Palace said on February 5, 2024, that a separate issue of concern had been detected while Charles was being treated for benign prostate enlargement. Charles resumed public-facing duties on April 30, 2024, less than three months after treatment began, visiting the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London with Camilla. I’m going to cope with it.’” In December 2025, Charles said early diagnosis and effective intervention meant his cancer-treatment schedule could be reduced in 2026. Maggie’s aims to have a centre at all 60 major cancer hospitals in the UK.
This revelation came during a visit to a cancer support center just five days before Buckingham Palace officially announced the diagnosis.
Camilla, who is president of Maggie’s, said knowing about her husband’s diagnosis changed the way she spoke to cancer patients and their families during the visit. That was quite difficult,” she said. Speaking about his determination to continue working, Camilla said: “Look at my husband. He just said, ‘This is my way. Camilla said every hospital should have a Maggie’s centre.
At that time, Charles had already received his cancer diagnosis, which had not yet been made public, although it was known that he was recovering from treatment for an enlarged prostate. “I remember coming to see a Maggie’s just after the king being diagnosed. Nobody could say anything at the time. Further tests identified a form of cancer, though the palace did not disclose which type. Charles began regular treatment and put public-facing engagements on hold while continuing state business and official paperwork. Nothing stopped him.