British royals host cancer charity reception

The British royal family hosted a special reception to mark a milestone anniversary for Cancer Research UK.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were joined by the Princess of Wales, along with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, yesterday evening in hosting a special reception for Cancer Research UK. The reception was held at St James’s Palace to personally thank people who work care for patients as well as those affected by cancer, marking the 125th anniversary of the charity.

In 2024, the then 75-year-old King announced he was being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer. Later that year, following abdominal surgery, the Princess shared she was herself undergoing chemotherapy, seeking treatment at London’s Royal Marsden.

Although King Charles continues to undergo regular treatment, which has been significantly decreased due to His Majesty’s robust good health, Catherine announced in January 2025 that she was in remission during a visit to the clinic she described as “exceptional.” The Prince and Princess of Wales were announced as joint patrons of the hospital to coincide with the 2025 visit.

King Charles has been the Patron of Cancer Research UK since 2024. His Majesty’s patronage was announced to coincide with a visit to University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre to highlight the innovative research supported by CRUK. The Duke of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra are Joint Presidents of the charity.

During yesterday’s reception, the royal family met with researchers, clinicians, volunteers and partners involved in the charity’s prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Cancer Research UK has a history stretching back to the founding of the charity’s predecessor organisations, the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the Cancer Research Campaign, established in 1902 and 1923, respectively. Since then, the charity has helped to transform how cancer is understood, prevented, detected and treated.

The reception featured immersive installations showcasing the charity’s past impact, current work, and future innovations. The royals also viewed visual representations of how technological innovation is transforming modern cancer research. The charity’s progress has contributed to a doubling of cancer survival in the United Kingdom over the past 50 years.

Today, 8 in 10 people who receive cancer drugs in the UK receive a drug developed by or with Cancer Research UK.

King Charles has been the Patron of Cancer Research UK since 2024. His Majesty’s patronage was previously announced to coincide with a visit to University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre to highlight some of the innovative research supported by CRUK. The Duke of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra are joint presidents of the charity.