Royal Support for Cancer Research
The Princess of Wales has joined King Charles inside St James’ Palace for a celebration that brought together some of the UK’s leading experts working to fight cancer. Catherine and the King announced their separate cancer diagnoses in early 2024, with the princess completing preventative chemotherapy a few months later. Charles, 77, is still undergoing treatment as he continues to battle an undisclosed type of the disease.
The monarch was also accompanied by Queen Camilla and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as he hosted the reception marking the 125th anniversary of Cancer Research UK on Tuesday afternoon. Since its formation, the charity has helped to transform how cancer is understood, prevented, detected and treated. This progress has contributed to a doubling of cancer survival in the UK over the past 50 years. The King became patron of the charity in 2024, soon after his diagnosis.
The Princess of Wales chose a bold red and white look for the event, wearing a new belted silk dress by Rodarte, featuring small white hearts, currently on sale for $2,496. She accessorised with diamond and ruby earrings. Catherine was not originally meant to attend the reception but surprised guests by joining the King and Queen soon after their arrival. The 44-year-old has gradually increased her workload since announcing she was in remission, in January last year.
Recently, she undertook her first overseas visit following her diagnosis. The princess spent two days in northern Italy in support of her work into the early years and childhood education. It was Catherine’s first solo tour outside of the UK since early 2022.
Despite his own diagnosis, the King has carried out a near-full diary of engagements. In December, Buckingham Palace announced the monarch’s weekly treatment was able to be reduced. In April, the King and Queen travelled to the US for an historic state visit, hosted by President Donald Trump and the First Lady. British television personality Davina McCall was among those in attendance, along with musician Ronan Keating and his wife, Storm.
McCall underwent surgery in 2024 to remove a benign brain tumour. In October last year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery to remove a lump. In April she had received the “all clear”. “It was a really wonderful exchange, and they [the King, Queen and Princess of Wales] are all wonderful,” McCall said. “I can’t imagine what it must be like having going through something like cancer, and then sort of having to tell people about it, when possibly it would have been much easier and nicer to not have to share it with the world. And I’ve got to say, after my brain tumour, I didn’t massively want to have to do that myself. But it really helped me get through it by sharing it, and other people relating, or feeling like I could help.”
Hours before the cancer event in London, the King was at Windsor Castle for an investiture ceremony. Ice skating duo Dame Jayne Torvill and Sir Christopher Dean − better known as Torvill and Dean, who won gold at the 1984 Winter Olympics − were among 68 people honoured by the monarch. Actor Sir Idris Elba received a knighthood, recognised for services to young people. In 2022, he founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which supports community empowerment, education, youth advocacy and sustainable development.
The 53-year-old is best known for the popular crime series The Wire and police drama Luther. Last year, it was announced that Sir Idris would be working with King Charles to create a documentary marking 50 years since Charles founded The King’s Trust, formerly known as the Prince’s Trust. The film will air on Netflix in the coming months. The actor used a grant from the charity to attend the National Youth Music Theatre when he was 18.
British property expert and television host Phil Spencer was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his extensive charitable services and 19 years of patronage at the homelessness charity St Mungo’s.
