King Charles jokes about still being 'alive' as palace sources say his cancer treatment will continue
LONDON, ENGLAND: King Charles shared a light-hearted moment during his last official engagement before the royal family gathers for Christmas.
On December 20, the King, 76, and Queen Camilla attended a reception at Waltham Forest Town Hall in east London, celebrating community cohesion in the borough.
King Charles jokes when asked about his well-being
The event coincided with an update from palace sources regarding King Charles' ongoing cancer treatment, which is reportedly progressing positively and will extend into next year.
At the reception, Harvinder Rattan, a Sikh faith representative, greeted the King and asked, “Your Majesty, good morning, how are you?”
King Charles responded with a quip, saying, “I’m still alive,” while smiling. The light-hearted remark brought laughter from Rattan, as seen in a video shared by the Daily Mail.
This public appearance comes as palace insiders confirm the King is managing an undisclosed form of cancer.
“His treatment has been moving in a positive direction, and as a managed condition, the treatment cycle will continue into next year,” palace sources stated on December 20, People reported.
Kate Middleton and King Charles' cancer diagnosis
King Charles was first diagnosed with cancer in February this year, prompting a temporary withdrawal from public life for treatment.
It was followed by Kate Middleton's revelation in March that she had also been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy.
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In an emotional video released in September, Middleton shared, “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.”
She added, “Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”
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King Charles and Kate Middleton's cancer types are unknown
Despite his diagnosis, King Charles resumed his royal duties within two and a half months after cancer diagnosis and has steadily increased his workload.
The Palace has not revealed what kind of cancer the King has, or what treatment he has been receiving.
Similarly, Middleton's cancer type is also unknown but is presumed to be ovarian or uterine cancer as it was found after her abdominal surgery.
The doctors had initially believed her condition was noncancerous and that her surgery was also "successful,” it was after tests cancer was found.
The December 20 event marked King Charles and Queen Camilla’s final public engagement before their traditional Christmas break.
The royal family is set to reunite at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk for their annual festivities.
