Britain's King Charles III has announced that his cancer treatment is being reduced in the new year and urged millions to take up available screenings for the disease.
His personal update about his health was made in a video message in support of the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, and he said the "good news" was down to early diagnosis, successful care and following "doctors’ orders".
The head of state has been receiving cancer treatment as an outpatient since early February 2024, believed to be weekly visits to the London Clinic, but these sessions are to be significantly cut back.
His cancer diagnosis was announced on 6 February last year and he had postponed all public-facing engagements for almost three months.
He described how from his own experience "a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming" and paid tribute to the "community of care" - specialists, nurses, researchers and volunteers - surrounding every patient.
King Charles said: "Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives."
"Now, I have heard this message repeatedly during my visits to cancer centres across the country. 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.
"Indeed, today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to 'doctors’ orders’, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year," he said.
His video message was aired during a Channel 4 night of comedy, entertainment and awareness-raising for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, a joint-initiate between the broadcaster and Cancer Research UK, which the King supports as patron, to raise funds and promote cancer screening.
King Charles also praised "remarkable advances" in cancer care that made his positive health update possible but it is not known what form his treatment takes.
