King Charles III discusses the uncertainties and anxieties of illness during his Christmas speech
King Charles III is thankful for those who stood by the royal family this past year.The monarch, 76, reflected on 2024, which saw both him and his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton revel their respective cancer diagnoses.“All of us go through some form of suffering at some stage in our life, be it mental or physical,” the king said in his pre-taped message for his annual Christmas address.
“The degree to which we help one another — and draw support from each other, be we people of faith or of none — is a measure of our civilization as nations.”“I am speaking to you today from the Chapel of the former Middlesex Hospital in London,” the king continued, “and thinking especially of the many thousands of professionals and volunteers here in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth who, with their skills and out of the goodness of their heart, care for others, often at some cost to themselves.”Noting the care he witnessed firsthand, he added, “From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed.” As Charles put it, “I am deeply grateful, too, to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement.”Last February, Buckingham Palace revealed that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer and had begun treatment.The cancer was discovered in January after he underwent a planned procedure to treat a benign enlarged prostate. “I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” Charles said in a statement at the time.
“As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”The king continued, “It is equally heartening to hear how sha...