King Charles shares health update as British monarch visits fellow cancer patients in hospital

King Charles opens up about his ongoing cancer treatment while offering encouragement to hospital patients battling the same illness

King Charles III marked a poignant return to public life during a visit to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, where he offered a heartfelt update on his own health as he met with fellow cancer patients.

Diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in February 2024, following treatment for an enlarged prostate, King Charles has maintained a remarkably steady public schedule despite undergoing treatment.

When asked how he was feeling, the monarch replied simply, “I’m not too bad.”

In one touching exchange, a patient named Matthew Shinda, who is being treated for prostate cancer, confided his frustrations to the King.

After expressing his sympathy, the monarch remarked, “Half the problem is detecting it, isn’t it, in time.” He paused before adding: “The great thing I think is they’re getting better and better at dealing with these things. The trouble is there’s always hope down the road.”

Another moment of levity followed when Jacqueline Page, an elderly patient, told the King she was “wearing out.” Charles responded with characteristic warmth and humor: “I know, this is the terrible thing, as I am discovering already. The bits don’t work so well when you get past 70.”

Balancing duties and health issues
King Charles’ highly visible commitment demonstrated his resolve to balance public duties with personal resilience. His diagnosis was made public more than a year ago, and a temporary pause in spring followed a brief hospitalization for treatment-related side effects.

Nonetheless, he resumed royal responsibilities by April and has since engaged in visits both at home and overseas.

A senior royal aide noted that King Charles was managing his condition well, stating that the illness is something “you just manage,” and that medical science has made remarkable progress-allowing him to live as normally as possible. This positivity was on full display during his hospital visit.

The King’s openness about his own diagnosis is viewed as uncommonly transparent for a sovereign, drawing praise both within and beyond royal circles.

WATCH: King Charles discussed his cancer treatment during a visit to a Birmingham hospital on Wednesday.
He joked with an 85 year old how “the bits don’t work so well, do they, once you get past your 70s?”
He also spoke to a terminally ill patient with prostate cancer who told… pic.twitter.com/Ui2VWpENhr

— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) September 4, 2025

A message of hope for others
The public health message resonated-not only because of King Charles’ personal reflections-but as a sign of solidarity with those facing similar journeys. His hospital visit this week offered more than a royal appearance-it served as a powerful demonstration of empathy and hope.

Speaking openly about his health while meeting with patients undergoing their own battles, he shared both humor and humanity. For many, his presence and candor embody a comforting blend of leadership and compassion.

As treatment continues, the King’s determination to fulfill his duties while shedding light on a private struggle remains profoundly inspiring.