By Molly Claire Goddard
1:29pm PST, Dec 15, 2025
_
During Channel 4's Stand Up To Cancer special, King Charles III announced his chemotherapy treatment will "be reduced" in the coming year after being diagnosed with cancer two years ago. "Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives," he said in the video. "I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment."
_
Grant Harrold, King Charles III's former butler, emphasized how bold it was for His Majesty to speak out about his illness. "It's really unusual to see such a senior member of the royal family speak so openly about their health," he told The Mirror. "While it's not unusual to see royals support health-related events, like Stand Up To Cancer, it's unusual to see them referring to their own health battles. Prince Philip never spoke about his health. The late Queen Elizabeth II never spoke about hers."
_
Queen Elizabeth II's alleged cancer battle led to her 2022 death, though she never confirmed her diagnosis with the public. "We've had monarchs face health battles before, with both King George VI and the late Queen battling cancer. However, we didn't know it at the time. They never would have sat down and discussed it while things were ongoing," Grant Harrold said.
_
King Charles III views things differently, as he hopes to spread awareness and save numerous lives. "Even world leaders don't really discuss their health, so this really is uncharted territory. It's very unique, and that makes it even more powerful," Grant Harrold said. "This really shows a change in the monarchy. While still keeping their privacy, the royal family has become more transparent. We see a lot more of what goes on behind the scenes, through official statements and their social media."
_
Kate Middleton was also candid about her cancer journey. "You put on a sort of brave face. Then it's like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal,'" she said during a visit to an Essex hospital. "But actually, the phase afterwards is really difficult. You have to find your new normal and that takes time. It's a rollercoaster."
