Charles said he was moved by the community support he had received since his diagnosis. He said he had visited many cancer centres across the country, and was troubled to learn 9 million people in the UK were not up-to-date with cancer screening.
“Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives,” the king said during the televised address. “I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life even while undergoing treatment.”
The monarch suspended public engagements for about two months after his diagnosis so he could focus on his treatment and recovery. But he continued with state business and retained his constitutional role as head of state.
Charles returned to public facing events in April of last year with a visit to a cancer treatment centre at University College Hospital in central London, where he met with staff and shared stories with fellow cancer patients.
He was hospitalised in March after experiencing side effects from his treatment.
