King Charles III offered rare personal insight into his ongoing cancer treatment during a Buckingham Palace garden party Tuesday, telling a young guest that diet "can help" as part of the healing process. The comment came as the 76-year-old monarch continues his gradual return to public duties following a three-month pause for medical care.
The King, dressed in a grey suit with a submarine-patterned blue tie and black top hat, hosted approximately 7,000 guests alongside Queen Camilla at the Education and Skills Garden Party. Among those in attendance was Stamford Collis, a 22-year-old Exeter University student who is also undergoing cancer treatment.
"He was asking me about the treatment I have starting in June and spoke to me about food and diet," Collis told The Telegraph. "He also asked me if I had undergone radiation treatment, which I had earlier this year."
The King was overheard remarking, "It's sometimes about the diet and what you eat. It can help," according to Hello! Magazine. The event marked the second official garden party of the season and reflected the monarch's efforts to resume his ceremonial and public-facing role amid ongoing health challenges.
Buckingham Palace announced in February that the King had been diagnosed with cancer, following a separate procedure in January to treat a benign enlarged prostate. The palace clarified he does not have prostate cancer. His treatment, which includes regular hospital visits, is expected to continue through 2024.
In late March, the King experienced a brief health setback related to his treatment and was admitted to the London Clinic for observation after what officials described as "temporary side effects." A palace source said the hospitalization was "the most minor bump in the road that's very much heading in the right direction."
Despite medical caution, Charles resumed light duties in April and has appeared regularly at public events since. During Tuesday's garden party, the monarch also met Patricia Alban, founder of Sammy's Foundation, a charity created in memory of her son who died at age 13. "I told Sammy one day I will meet the king and tell him about you," Alban told reporters. "Here I am. I can't believe it."
Palace guests were entertained by musical performances from students of the Royal Ballet School and military bands, including renditions of the Harry Potter theme. Attendees included Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and other representatives from the U.K.'s education and vocational training sectors.
The King previously addressed his diagnosis during a Community Based Cancer Support Reception at the palace. "As one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity," he said, referencing the 390,000 people diagnosed with cancer annually in the U.K.
Palace sources said earlier this year that his treatment was "moving in a positive direction" and that it was being managed as a long-term medical plan. Charles has remained committed to continuing engagements while adapting his schedule based on medical guidance.
