King Charles III said on Wednesday that his life with cancer had brought “into sharp focus the very best of humanity” as he expressed gratitude to medical staff and charities that work with cancer patients across Britain.

His reflections, delivered in the form of a written message to guests attending a reception for cancer care charities at Buckingham Palace, opened a small window into his experiences as a patient, although he did not give any update on his condition.

The king announced in February 2024 that he had received a diagnosis that he had an undisclosed form of cancer, and he has been undergoing weekly treatments since then.

“Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,” the monarch said in his statement.

“But 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.”

Charles, 76, has soldiered through his illness with no public complaint and very little discussion. And while he has spoken in elegiac tones about the time he has left on the throne, he has offered no guidance about how long that might be.