LONDON (AP) 鈥� described Wednesday how a cancer diagnosis can be a 鈥渄aunting and at times frightening" experience for sufferers and their loved ones as he hosted an event to laud the 鈥渆xtraordinary work鈥� of cancer charities.
In a message written in a booklet for guests at a Buckingham Palace reception to celebrate organizations helping people with the disease, Charles poignantly reflected on his experience of cancer.
As one of the 1,000 or so people in the U.K. who receive a cancer diagnosis every day, Charles said his journey had given him 鈥渁n even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work鈥� of charities.
鈥淓ach diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones," he said. 鈥淏ut 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.鈥�
The 76-year-old monarch, who is still undergoing treatment more than a year on from his diagnosis for an undisclosed cancer, also said that his experience had reinforced how 鈥渢he darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.鈥�
Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, invited representatives from cancer charities they support, campaigners, and individuals living with cancer, to the royal residence for the reception. Also present was the ex-wife of , Sarah, Duchess of York, who has been treated for .
鈥淚 think the King is a brilliant example of revolutionizing patronage," she said. 鈥淗e really listens, he wants to fix it, he wants to make a difference.鈥�
Though Charles has been increasingly visible in recent months, he was last month as a result of 鈥渢emporary鈥� side effects from a scheduled .
Though no update on the king's health has been provided, his return to public duties has been read that his treatment is heading in the right direction.
鈥淲e are so grateful to His Majesty for his continued support, both as our patron and for being so open about his own cancer experience, which has inspired so many others to reach out for support from organizations like Macmillan," said Gemma Peters, chief executive at Macmillan Cancer Support.
Charles鈥� illness came as his daughter-in-law, Kate, the Princess of Wales, . Kate, the wife of Prince William, took more than six months off before returning to public duties in late September.
Pan Pylas, The Associated Press
