Charles’ longstanding support and advocacy for cancer patients: The King has been a tower of strength for millions over the years and a patron for charities as he helped those battling what he called a ‘beastly’ disease – and now they rally round him [Video]

King Charles has a longstanding history of supporting cancer patients and charities – who are now rallying around him following his own shock diagnosis.  

Charles has met hundreds of people suffering from the disease, which he once described as ‘beastly’ in a letter to someone who had just been diagnosed. 

The 75-year-old has been patron of Macmillan Cancer Support for more than 20 years, and during that time has visited its centres in Glasgow, Glamorgan and Camden in north London. He is also the patron of two breast cancer charities. 

The monarch’s dedication to advocating for cancer patients is matched by his wife, Queen Camilla, who last Monday attended the official launch of Maggie’s cancer support centre at London’s Royal Free Hospital.

Kristina Kyriacou, the King’s former communications secretary, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and today described the warm support he offered her.