Cancer remains one of the most daunting health challenges faced by millions worldwide, often bringing uncertainty and fear to those diagnosed and their loved ones. For many Australians, cancer is a familiar and deeply personal battle, as they have witnessed friends, family members, or even themselves navigate the physical and emotional toll of the disease.
The world has watched with concern as King Charles III, at 76, faces one of the most challenging chapters of his life: a battle with cancer. A new report has sent shockwaves through royal circles and the public alike.
According to Camilla Tominey, a respected royal correspondent and editor at the United Kingdom (UK) ‘s Daily Telegraph, King Charles’ situation is not uncommon for older adults, claiming that the King’s cancer is ‘incurable’—but, crucially, treatable.
The report suggests that while the King’s cancer cannot be cured, it can be managed—meaning he is likely to live ‘with’ cancer, rather than die ‘of’ it.
Still, the news has reignited speculation about the King’s health, especially after Prince Harry’s recent comments to the BBC, where he admitted he didn’t know how much longer his father had to live.
For its part, the palace has maintained that Charles is responding well to treatment, but the new report claims his health is fragile enough that he may never move into Buckingham Palace—a symbolic heart of the monarchy.
For those unfamiliar, an ‘incurable’ cancer doesn’t necessarily mean a death sentence. Many people live for years, even decades, with chronic cancers.
Treatments can keep the disease at bay, manage symptoms, and maintain quality of life. The language around cancer is changing, with more focus on ‘living with’ rather than ‘dying from’ the disease.
This is especially relevant for older Australians, as cancer rates increase with age. Many of our readers may be living with, or know someone living with, a chronic cancer diagnosis.
The King’s experience is a reminder of the resilience and adaptability required to face such a challenge.
Despite his diagnosis, King Charles is determined to continue his royal duties, albeit with some adjustments.
This year’s Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of the monarch’s official birthday, will look slightly different.
Traditionally, Charles has ridden on horseback in the parade, but this year he’ll travel by carriage—a nod to his ongoing treatment and the need to conserve his strength.
Plans for Charles’ 80th birthday in 2028 are still moving forward, a sign that the palace remains optimistic about his long-term reign.
Hope for reconciliation
The King’s illness also casts a spotlight on the strained relationship between Charles and his younger son, Prince Harry.
According to Tominey, palace aides are eyeing the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham as a possible opportunity for a family reunion. There’s hope that Prince Harry’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, whom Charles hasn’t seen since 2022, might also be involved.
Of course, Prince Harry has previously noted that he can’t bring his family to the UK without adequate security, adding another layer of complexity to any potential reconciliation.
Still, the King’s illness may serve as a catalyst for healing old wounds—a theme that resonates with many families facing health crises.
King Charles’ journey is a powerful reminder that cancer doesn’t discriminate, and that even those in the highest positions are not immune.
His openness about his diagnosis has helped to destigmatise the disease and encourage conversations about living with cancer, rather than simply surviving it.
Have you or someone you know faced a similar diagnosis? How did you adapt, and what advice would you give to others? Do you think the royal family’s openness about health challenges helps reduce stigma? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: King Charles opens up about the ‘darkest moments’ of his cancer journey
