Queen Camilla says it was difficult to keep the King’s cancer diagnosis private

Queen Camilla has spoken publicly for the first time about the emotional strain of keeping the King’s cancer diagnosis secret before it was announced to the nation.

Camilla said she had been “longing to let it out” after learning about her husband’s illness, but knew she could not speak publicly before the official announcement in February 2024.

The Queen made the comments in a short film produced with Buckingham Palace to mark the 30th anniversary of the cancer support charity Maggie’s, of which she is president.

She recalled visiting Maggie’s new cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London on 31 January 2024, just days before Buckingham Palace confirmed the King’s diagnosis.

At the time of that visit, Camilla already knew about the King’s illness. The news was announced publicly five days later.

Speaking in conversation with Maggie’s chief executive Dame Laura Lee at Clarence House, the Queen said nobody had been able to say anything at the time.

“That was quite difficult,” she said, adding that she had almost spoken about it but felt it was not the right moment.

The King’s cancer diagnosis had not yet been shared with the public, and Camilla said seeing patients and their families at the centre made the importance of cancer support services even clearer to her.

She said she looked at people who were suffering, along with their relatives, and realised even more strongly how vital places like Maggie’s are.

Camilla also spoke about caring for her “poor husband”, who had also been recovering from treatment for an enlarged prostate around the same period.

Despite his health challenges, she said the King continued with his work as a way of coping. According to Camilla, “nothing stopped him”, and he decided that carrying on was how he would manage the situation.

Her comments offer a rare personal glimpse into how the royal family dealt with the period between private diagnosis and public disclosure.

The King’s illness was officially announced in February 2024, prompting widespread messages of support and renewed public discussion about cancer checks and early diagnosis.

In December, Charles said his treatment was being reduced and described the progress as “good news”. He credited early diagnosis, effective intervention and following medical advice.

Dame Laura said the King’s openness had helped others speak more openly about their own health. She also said Maggie’s had seen a 12% increase in men visiting its centres since the diagnosis was made public.

She said Camilla’s reflections showed why support is also needed for family members and friends, not only for the person receiving treatment.

Maggie’s runs 27 centres across the UK, based in the grounds of major NHS cancer hospitals. The charity supports hundreds of thousands of people each year, offering practical, emotional and social support to those affected by cancer.

For Camilla, the visit to the Royal Free appears to have carried a deeper private meaning than the public knew at the time. She was meeting cancer patients while silently carrying news of the King’s own diagnosis.

Her remarks now show the emotional pressure behind that silence. Public duty required discretion, but the personal reality was much harder.

The Queen’s message was ultimately one of recognition: cancer does not only affect the patient. It affects partners, families and friends who often have to stay strong while dealing with fear, uncertainty and private worry.