Camilla says it was 'difficult' to keep King's cancer diagnosis private

Queen Camilla has spoken publicly for the first time about the challenges of keeping her husband King Charles's cancer diagnosis private in the initial stages. Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024 that the monarch was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

“

Nobody could say anything at the time. That was quite difficult.

In a video released by the cancer support charity Maggie's, of which the Queen is president, she shared her experience visiting a support center shortly after the King's diagnosis. "Nobody could say anything at the time. That was quite difficult," she told Laura Lee, the chief executive of Maggie's. "I almost said something but, you know, I felt that it wasn't the time to say. I looked at everybody who was suffering and all the relations, and I think it made me realise even more how important these places were."

“

I was just longing to let it out but obviously I couldn't.

Camilla admitted to feeling a strong urge to disclose the news, stating, "I was just longing to let it out but obviously I couldn't." The video, produced to mark Maggie's 30th anniversary, also featured the Queen discussing her role in supporting the King through his treatment. She noted his determination to continue working, quoting him as saying, "This is my way I'm going to cope with it."

“

Look at my husband, nothing stopped him. He just said, 'This is my way I'm going to cope with it.'

Maggie's highlighted the positive impact of King Charles and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, speaking publicly about their cancer diagnoses and treatments. The charity believes their openness has encouraged others to speak out. "The king's openness about his diagnosis has undoubtedly helped others to be more open themselves, and to now hear the Queen's completely understandable and natural response as a wife shines a light on why it is so important that family and friends also get the support they need," Ms. Lee commented.

“

The king's openness about his diagnosis has undoubtedly helped others to be more open themselves, and to now hear the Queen's completely understandable and natural response as a wife shines a light on why it is so important that family and friends also get the support they need.