CAMILLA FOUND KEEPING KING'S CANCER DIAGNOSIS SECRET DIFFICULT

Queen Camilla has described how she struggled to keep King Charles's cancer diagnosis confidential during an official visit to a Maggie's cancer support centre in January 2024. Speaking in a film released on Wednesday to mark the charity's 30th anniversary, Camilla said she "almost said something" when she launched a new Maggie's centre at the Royal Free hospital in London on 31 January 2024, five days before the palace announced Charles's diagnosis. She told the charity's chief executive that she was "longing to let it out" but knew she could not disclose the information at that time.

At the time of Camilla's visit, Charles was recovering from treatment for an enlarged prostate and had already received a diagnosis of an undisclosed form of cancer, which Buckingham Palace announced on 5 February 2024. Maggie's provides free emotional and practical support to cancer patients and their families across 27 drop-in centres positioned near NHS hospitals throughout the UK. Camilla, who serves as president of the charity, said the experience of visiting the centre whilst carrying the secret made her realise the importance of the organisation's work.

Charles returned to public-facing engagements in April 2024, less than three months after his treatment began. Camilla reflected on her husband's approach to his recovery, saying his determination to continue his work characterised his response to the diagnosis.