King Charles offered a rare personal glimpse into his health journey as he met with cancer patients during a royal engagement this week.
On September 3, the 76-year-old monarch officially opened the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick, where he spent time with both patients and staff. His warmth and empathy during the visit drew appreciation from those he met and from royal followers online.
Conversations With Cancer Patients
While touring the hospital, the King spoke with 73-year-old patient Matthew Shinda, who is currently receiving treatment for prostate cancer.
When Shinda asked how he was coping, Charles quietly replied, “I’m not too bad, thank you.” The two went on to discuss the challenges of diagnosis delays and treatment, with the King responding empathetically: “I’m very sorry about that, it’s so frustrating.” He added that early detection remains one of the biggest hurdles.
The monarch also expressed hope about medical advances, telling Hello! magazine: “The great thing, I think, is they’re getting better and better at dealing with these things. The trouble is there’s always hope down the road.”
Charles also lifted spirits with humor when he met 85-year-old Jacqueline Page in the acute elderly care ward. After she mentioned “wearing out,” the King laughed and replied: “I know, this is the terrible thing, as I am discovering already. The bits don’t work so well when you get past 70.”
Visit Rescheduled After Health Concerns
The King’s trip to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital had originally been planned for March but was delayed after he was hospitalized due to an adverse reaction to his cancer treatment.
At the time, his office confirmed he had been admitted to The London Clinic after experiencing “temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital.”
Royal watchers have closely followed the monarch’s health since February 2024, when Buckingham Palace revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer. Earlier reports clarified that although he had undergone treatment for a benign enlarged prostate that January, the King does not have prostate cancer.
Following his diagnosis, Charles postponed public engagements for three months but continued working behind the scenes. He officially returned to public duties in April 2025, with palace sources later noting that his cancer treatment would continue into 2025. According to the Daily Telegraph, while the condition is “incurable,” it remains “manageable,” with one report suggesting, “He may die ‘with’ cancer, but not ‘of’ cancer following a rigorous treatment program.”
Balancing Health and Duty
Despite setbacks, Charles has demonstrated his determination to balance ongoing treatment with his role as monarch. His March hospitalization was described by palace insiders as “the most minor bump in the road.”
During this week’s visit, the King acknowledged the delay with an apology to staff, saying, “I’m sorry I didn’t get here a few months ago.”
Patients expressed gratitude for his concern, with Shinda later remarking, “I was elated because he showed concern.”
Public Reactions
The visit earned praise from royal supporters. One commenter shared, “I am pleased as to who King Charles has become, not who he was before.” Another wrote, “It’s good to see Charles visiting cancer patients. It may give them a bit of a lift. All the best to all of them.”
Others drew comparisons to the late Queen Elizabeth II, with one netizen noting: “Charles, like his Mother is truly trying to Keep Calm and Carry On with compassion and care for the people.”
