Overview
- The reception was held at St. James’s Palace on Tuesday and saw King Charles III, Princess Catherine and Queen Camilla meet researchers, clinicians, volunteers and charity partners as part of Cancer Research UK’s 125th anniversary events.
- Both royals have personal links to cancer: Charles disclosed a diagnosis in February 2024 and remains in treatment, and Kate completed chemotherapy in September 2024 and was reported in remission in January 2025.
- Charles has served as official patron of Cancer Research UK since 2024, continuing a royal tradition of high-profile support that the charity says helps raise public awareness and funds for research.
- At the reception the royals viewed interactive installations about the charity’s history and future and held extended, personal conversations with survivors and campaigners including television figures and charity advocates.
- Speakers at the event stressed progress in prevention, early detection and treatment, noting UK cancer survival has improved over decades and that royal visibility can encourage screening, donations and attention to new research priorities.