King Charles’ Cancer Is Not in Remission, Palace Clarifies: Treatment Moving into ‘Precautionary Phase’

King Charles III shared the “good news” that he would be reducing his cancer treatment in 2026 during a Stand Up to Cancer broadcast on Friday, December 12.

But the 77-year-old’s battle isn’t over, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace provided to CNN and other outlets.

“His Majesty has responded exceptionally well to treatment and his doctors advise that ongoing measures will now move into a precautionary phase,” the spokesperson said. “This position will be continuously monitored and reviewed to protect and prioritise his continued recovery.”

As the BBC pointedly noted, the statement doesn’t use the words “remission” or “cured.”

Charles was diagnosed in February 2024 following a routine procedure to treat benign prostate enlargement. The palace has never revealed what type of cancer he was battling, only to clarify that it was not of the prostate.

In his address, the king stressed the importance of early detection in saving lives.

“To take just one example: When bowel cancer is caught at the earliest stage, around nine in 10 people survive for at least five years. When diagnosed late, that falls to just one in 10. Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives,” he noted.

“I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment,” Charles continued.

To learn about cancer screening suggestions in the U.S., visit the American Cancer Society at cancer.org.