King Charles has spoken about the importance of being able to talk as a cancer patient, noting that the disease is 'everywhere' during a visit to a newly redeveloped cancer centre in York. The 77-year-old monarch, who continues to receive treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer diagnosed in 2024, was cheered and applauded as he arrived at the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre at York Hospital.
During the visit, Charles met cancer patients and staff involved in the £2.4 million redevelopment, which is set to officially open in July. The King has been patron of Macmillan Cancer Support since 1997, a charity providing comprehensive support to those affected by cancer.
Upon arrival, he was greeted by nurses, doctors, and patients at a side entrance before being welcomed by Clare Smith, chief executive of York Hospital, and Gemma Peters, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support. He was then shown the centre's new garden, where his friend Lady Halifax introduced him to Angie Lunt, a breast cancer survivor who contributed to the centre's design. Speaking to Ms Lunt, the King said: 'So they consulted you on all the details to make it all most effective? Well done, you.'
The King also planted a yellow 'Macmillan rose' with Colm Gough, the Macmillan personalised cancer care lead. He met other patients, including Louise Rhodes, who is living with stage four secondary breast cancer. Rhodes told the King about losing her father to cancer in 2024, to which Charles replied, 'It's everywhere.' He emphasised, 'It's so important to be able to talk.'
As he moved through the hospital corridors, shaking hands and asking about people's wellbeing in the heat, Charles was surrounded by well-wishers taking photos and videos. Hundreds gathered in the main reception to see him, where he met more Macmillan nurses and fundraising staff.
After the visit, Ms Lunt described the centre as a 'lifeline' during her cancer journey, saying: 'It was pivotal in my recovery, helping me manage ongoing health issues and supporting my mental wellbeing. I can't stress enough how important these centres are.'
Earlier in the day, Charles visited a conservation initiative at the Animal and Plant Health Agency's York Biotech Campus, focused on controlling grey squirrel numbers to protect the endangered red squirrel population. He was praised for his 'innate understanding that we need to be in harmony with nature' as he learned about a project using oral contraceptives delivered through feeding programmes. Dr Julie Lane, head of the National Wildlife Management Centre, told Charles: 'You've been championing our red squirrels for decades now... Without you, this work would not be happening at all.'
