The King paid an emotional tribute to medical professionals in his Christmas address today, almost a year since being diagnosed with cancer. His Majesty, who shared his speech at 3pm on BBC One, offered ‘heartfelt thanks’ to the ‘selfless’ doctors and nurses who supported him during his treatments.
Speaking from the chapel of the former Middlesex Hospital in London, he said: “[I am] thinking especially of the many thousands of professionals and volunteers here in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth who, with their skills, and out of the goodness of their heart, care for others, often at some cost to themselves.
“From a personal point of view, I offer special heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who this year have supported me, and other members of my family, through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed.
“I am deeply grateful too to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement.” In February, King Charles was diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer and has since received chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery to fight the deadly abnormal cells.
While he’s not yet free from cancer, the Palace has previously expressed their positivity regarding his progress. The King has already made a slow return to public duties too.
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales revealed that she too had been diagnosed with cancer in a video statement issued in March. After a temporary break from Royal duties, it was confirmed in September that she had finished chemotherapy and was focusing on being ‘cancer free’.
In today’s speech, the King added: “All of us go through some form of suffering at some stage in our life, be it mental or physical. The degree to which we help one another, and draw support from each other, be we people of faith or of none, is a measure of our civilisation as nations.
“This is what continually impresses me as my family and I meet with and listen to those who dedicate their lives to helping others.”