King Charles hosted a very important event at Buckingham Palace this evening in recognition of those who selflessly care and support those who receive a cancer diagnosis each year. The event comes just weeks after the 76-year-old made a joke about his health during a visit to Italy.

The King, accompanied by Queen Camilla, travelled to Italy earlier this month. During the final day of their visit to Rome, the King planted a tree in the gardens of Villa Wolkonsky - the ambassador's residence where the King and Queen had been staying, and joyfully waved his shovel in the air once he had finished. Turning to speak to members of the embassy who had gathered on the lawns, the King quipped: "Well I do hope that I shall live long enough to see a little bit of growth in the tree."

In a speech to those in attendance this evening, the King said: "My wife and I are delighted to host you here this evening to celebrate and above all thank those who so selflessly give care, comfort and reassurance to the 390,000 people who, sadly, receive a new cancer diagnosis across the U.K. each year. That is over 1,000 new cases every single day.

"...It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years.

"And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits - that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion."

He added: "What strikes us repeatedly is the profound impact of human connection - whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer, or the shared experience in a support group. These moments of kinship create what I might call a "community of care", one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times."

Offering his thanks to those who work behind the scenes in the medical field, the King added, "So to all the researchers pursuing pioneering breakthroughs; to the healthcare professionals providing specialist treatment; to the volunteers offering comfort, or campaigning to raise awareness; and to the fundraisers enabling all this vital work - you have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude. Your commitment to early diagnosis, evermore successful therapies and truly holistic care represents the very best our country can offer."

The King announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of last year. Whilst continuing his cancer treatment - which he still undergoes - the royal returned to public duties just weeks after announcing his diagnosis.

The Princess of Wales - the King's daughter-in-law and Prince William's wife - was also diagnosed with cancer in early 2024. The royal, 43, has since announced that she is in remission.