Cancer? It’s a bit of a shock, says King

THE KiNG continued with his cancer treatment yesterday – hours after meeting patients on a chemotherapy ward.

His Majesty, 75, said it was a ‘ bit of a shock’ to have been diagnosed with the disease, but reassured well-wishers he wasn’t doing ‘too bad’, as he stressed how early diagnosis was key.

it was clear how much it meant to King Charles – who began treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer in February – to be back meeting people.

At times he appeared emotional, grasping the hand of patient Lesley Woodbridge, 63, who is undergoing her second round of chemotherapy for a sarcoma. ‘it’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you,’ King Charles said, in a moment of heartfelt vulnerability.

Cancer, of course, is a cruel leveller with no respect for titles, privilege or wealth. For King Charles and Queen Camilla, the questions they asked patients at the Macmillan Cancer Centre clearly came from personal experience, and couldn’t have been further from the usual polite, ‘Have you come far?’

The King’s return to public duties is the best news he could possibly have hoped for at this stage. Once inside the centre they leapt into an impromptu walkabout. They were introduced to experts working on a melanoma vaccine and a lung cancer study, as well as viewing a CT scanner which has helped save 250 lives in the past two years thanks to early detection.

‘The trouble is to get enough people early,’ the King said, adding of the study: ‘There’s so much positive news.’

Mentioning that he was worried the royal visit had stopped people coming in, he was reassured nobody’s treatment had been affected. in a room set out with pink-cushioned armchairs where patients were receiving chemotherapy through iV drips, the King and Queen paused at the nurses station, before meeting patients. The King asked one male patient whether he was using a cold cap, a method for retaining the hair during chemotherapy, as he was heard to say it can ‘help’.

‘i’m feeling OK today,’ added the King, who was still slightly pale.

Both the King and Queen asked every patient they spoke to about side-effects; loss of appetite and taste, and tiredness.

The Queen told Judy Parkinson, 69: ‘ There’s a real feeling of calm here. Everybody in the same boat, everyone can identify.’ Patting her arm as she left, she said: ‘i wish you the very best of luck, it’s a huge pleasure to meet you.’

His Majesty was yesterday announced as the new patron of Cancer Research UK.