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KING Charles says cancer diagnosis is "daunting and at times frightening" but the "darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion" as he hails health heroes.

Charles, who has been treated for cancer every week for more than a year, penned an optimistic message saying "cancer diagnosis need never mean facing the future without hope and support".

King Charles III speaking with Alistair and Heather James at a Buckingham Palace reception.
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King Charles talking to Alistair and Heather James, the parents of the late Sun columnist Deborah JamesCredit: PA
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with attendees at a Buckingham Palace reception celebrating cancer awareness initiatives.
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The King and Queen posed with members of the Change + Check ChoirCredit: PA
King Charles III speaking with Adele Roberts at a Buckingham Palace reception.
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King Charles III speaks with broadcaster and presenter Adele Roberts, at a reception in Buckingham Palace todayCredit: PA

He described how he and Queen Camilla had both seen "first hand" work of health care professionals and those behind cancer research breakthroughs saying they "have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude".

And hailed Sun columnist Dame Deborah James, who died of bowel cancer in 2022, as "an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health".

Tonight he is hosting a reception at Buckingham Palace to "celebrate and above all thank" health heroes who "selflessly give care, comfort and reassurance" to the 1,000 people every day diagnosed with cancer.

In a written message for the event, he added: "But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity."

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Among the guests at the palace today include Alistair and Heather James, parents of Bowelbabe Dame Deborah.

In his message he celebrated Dame Debs, who died in June 2022 aged just 40-years-old, and echoed her words of support for "those who may be receiving such upsetting news today, tomorrow or at any point in the future."

Quoting Debs, he said: "'Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope."

Charles, 76, is having weekly cancer treatment fourteen months after his diagnosis.

The Princess of Wales, 43, who is in remission, has also been on a long cancer struggle.

The King is joined by Camilla and The Duchess of Gloucester at the Community Based Cancer Support Reception at Buckingham Palace which kicks off at 6.15pm.

King Charles and Camilla spotted in matching tartan outfits as they mark 20th wedding anniversary at church service

Writing in the event's programme the King says: "My wife and I are delighted to host you here this evening to celebrate and above all thank those who so selflessly give care, comfort and reassurance to the 390,000 people who, sadly, receive a new cancer diagnosis across the U.K. each year. That is over 1,000 new cases every single day.

"Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones. But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.

"It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years.

"And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits - that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.

Portrait of Deborah James.
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In his message he honoured Sun columnist Dame Deborah James who died of bowel cancerCredit: Stewart Williams
Prince William presenting Deborah James with her Damehood.
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Deborah James received her Damehood from Prince William in 2022Credit: Graham Prentice
a woman in a striped sweater sits on a park bench
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Kate announced she had the disease in a moving video message in March 2024Credit: PA
a family posing for a picture with a boy wearing a shirt that says ' sydney ' on it
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In an update in September 2024, the royal revealed she had finished chemotherapy and is focusing on being "cancer free"
King Charles III speaking with several women at a Buckingham Palace reception.
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The Monarch also greeted ballroom dancer Amy Dowden, actress and broadcaster Giovanna Fletcher and Maren Sheldon, co-founder of CoppaFeelCredit: PA

"As patrons of many such organisations, The Queen and I have seen at first-hand how you not only fund vital research and deliver exceptional healthcare but also create spaces where patients and their families find sanctuary, understanding and practical assistance when they need it most.

"What strikes us repeatedly is the profound impact of human connection - whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer, or the shared experience in a support group.

"These moments of kinship create what I might call a "community of care", one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.

"So to all the researchers pursuing pioneering breakthroughs; to the healthcare professionals providing specialist treatment; to the volunteers offering comfort, or campaigning to raise awareness; and to the fundraisers enabling all this vital work - you have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude.

"Your commitment to early diagnosis, evermore successful therapies and truly holistic care represents the very best our country can offer.

"This collective endeavour reminds us of what we can achieve when we are united with common purpose and uncommon determination. While every patient’s journey may be different, together you are ensuring that a cancer diagnosis need never mean facing the future without hope and support.

"And to those who may be receiving such upsetting news today, tomorrow or at any point in the future, I can only echo the departing words of the late Dame Deborah James, whose parents I am delighted to have with us here this evening, and whose example stands as an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health: 'Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.' I am so very grateful for all that you do. Charles R."

Charles was taken to hospital last month after side effects from his cancer treatment and forced to cancel a string of engagements.

But he was able to carry out a State Visit to Italy although unable to see his wayward son Harry when he jetted in 24 hours before the trip as he was having his weekly cancer treatment.

Other guests at the Community Based Cancer Support Reception includes heroes of cancer charities and people living with cancer including Adele Roberts, Ashley Cain, Richard E Grant.

Charity heroes thanked at the palace included those from The King and Queen’s patronages, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, Maggie’s and Children’s Hospice South West.

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The King and Queen are also to watch a short performance by the ITV Change + Check Choir which is made up of 26 women who all spotted their breast cancer symptoms after seeing the awareness campaign on Lorraine Kelly's ITV1 programme Lorraine.

Queen Camilla speaking with a woman wearing marathon medals at a Buckingham Palace reception.
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Queen Camilla at the celebration honouring health heroes who "selflessly give care, comfort and reassurance" to the 1,000 people every day diagnosed with cancerCredit: PA
King Charles III and Queen Camilla speaking with guests at a Buckingham Palace reception.
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla speak with presenter Lorraine KellyCredit: PA
King Charles III shaking hands with Richard E Grant at a Buckingham Palace reception.
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Charles shaking hands with actor Richard E Grant during the receptionCredit: PA
Queen Camilla speaking with Victoria Derbyshire at a Buckingham Palace reception.
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Queen Camilla speaks with the BBC's Victoria DerbyshireCredit: PA
Message from King Charles III thanking those who support cancer patients and their loved ones.
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A heartfelt statement was issued by the King and Queen

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