King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled to Bradford for an away day, and there, the King met a former cancer patient, who chatted to him about his cancer journey since being diagnosed 15 months ago
King Charles has opened up about his cancer journey in a rare admission about his treatment. The King was on an away day in Bradford when he revealed that he would like to think he is on the “better side” of his cancer journey.
His comments came as he chatted to a former cancer patient as he travelled to the West Yorkshire city with Queen Camilla to celebrate its status as the UK’s City of Culture. The King has been receiving ongoing cancer care for about 15 months since he was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease early in 2024.
Florist Safeena Khan spoke to Charles when he visited Impact Hub Yorkshire to meet local business owners supporting diverse communities in Bradford, and she presented the King with a bouquet inspired by the garden of his Highgrove home.
After chatting to Charles, Ms Khan said: “He asked me how I was, and I asked him how he was. There was some pleasantries towards the end, but it was a lovely conversation.”
The King undergoes regular treatment as an out-patient at the London Clinic, and the Bradford florist said he gave her the “thumbs up” when she asked about his health, and told her: “I’d like to think I’m on the better side (of my cancer journey)”.
The King stepped up his workload at the start of the year following positive progress with his cancer treatment, and that has continued despite the ‘bump’ of spending a short stay in hospital after experiencing temporary cancer treatment side effects in March.
Charles will be flying to Canada for the opening of the Commonwealth country’s parliament at the end of May and, after a busy summer period, will be hosting a state visit by France’s President Emmanuel Macron when the royal diary is normally winding down.
Earlier in the day, the King was left ‘flabbergasted’ by magician Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo, when he turned a newspaper into £20 notes.
Bradford-born Frayne impressed Charles at the start of his tour of the Yorkshire city, where he recognised another famous son, painter David Hockney, while the Queen visited the nearby home of the Bronte sisters.
Teenager Florence McGrellis surprised the King with an impromptu hug when he toured the Hockney Gallery at Cartwright Hall. Florence, 15, who has Down’s Syndrome, said afterwards it was ‘awesome’ adding, “I’m friendly and I’m very helpful, and I’m a hugger”, and the King seemed to enjoy the gesture, smiling and patting her on the back.
Asked what The King said to her, Florence, from Bingley, said: “He asked us what do you do? And, what will you do in the future?”And asked what her friends at Titus Salt School, in Baildon, will think, she said: “They don’t know that I’m here but they will be very excited.”