In a rare public comment about his health, King Charles offered insight into his ongoing battle with can.cer during a Buckingham Palace garden party.
The 76-year-old monarch, who was diagnosed with can.cer last year and has been receiving treatment since, spoke briefly about the role of diet in managing the illness.
The King’s remarks came during a conversation with Stamford Collis, a 22-year-old international relations student at Exeter University who is also undergoing can.cer treatment. Among the 7,000 guests at the event, Collis shared that he and the King discussed upcoming treatments and the impact of nutrition.
“He asked me about the treatment I’m starting in June and talked to me about food and diet,” Collis said after the encounter. “He also asked whether I had radiation therapy, which I completed earlier this year.”
According to Collis, the King noted, “It’s sometimes about the diet and what you eat. It can help.”
Though King Charles has kept most details of his condition private, it is understood that he has made adjustments to his already health-conscious diet since beginning treatment. Reports suggest that, whereas the King previously skipped lunch, he now includes small meals, such as avocado, to maintain his energy during the recovery process.
The garden party, held on Wednesday, was hosted at the request of the UK government to honor individuals working in education and skills development.
The guest list included teachers, students, and key figures in the education sector, including Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
Adding a touch of culture and entertainment to the formal event, the garden party featured a special performance by students from the Royal Ballet School.
Musical entertainment included a selection of pieces performed by the British Army Band Catterick and the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, with familiar tunes like the Harry Potter theme enchanting attendees.
This public appearance and brief conversation with a fellow can.cer patient offered a rare glimpse into the King’s personal health journey, highlighting both his resilience and empathy as he continues his royal duties while undergoing treatment.
