The King and Queen highlight community-based cancer initiatives

Ahead of the evening's event, The King shared a message of support to all those who work to support patients living with cancer, as well as those navigating a diagnosis themselves:

"Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones. But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity."

It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years. And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits - that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.

The King, The Queen and The Duchess of Gloucester celebrated the charitable work being undertaken by local and national organisations, meeting representatives from Their Majesties’ Patronages, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, Maggie’s and Children’s Hospice South West.

Placed throughout the reception were displays, showcasing the practical work delivered by Move Dance Feel, which unites women affected by cancer through dance; Rainbow Boxes, which offers practical items as people start cancer treatment; and Wigs for Heroes, which supports people undergoing cancer treatment.

Among guests at the reception were also champions of cancer charities and those who are living with cancer, including Adele Roberts; Ashley Cain; Richard E Grant; Co-Founder of CoppaFeel! and twin sister of the late Kris Hallenga, Maren Sheldon; and the parents of the late Dame Deborah James, Heather and Alistair James.

During the reception, Their Majesties watched a performance by the Change + Check Choir, a result of the Change + Check campaign which was launched in 2019 by Helen Addis, a producer for I.T.V.’s programme ‘Lorraine’, following her own breast cancer diagnosis.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. As part of the initiative, reminder stickers have been placed on shop and gym changing room mirrors in well-known stores such as John Lewis, David Lloyd, and Sweaty Betty, among others.

Since its launch, the campaign has helped over 100 women detect their cancer early. Twenty-five of those women are now part of the Change + Check Choir, which has released a charity single for two consecutive years to raise funds for further breast cancer research. All of the choir members discovered their cancer and received life-saving treatment due to watching the Change + Check campaign on the Lorraine show, as well as seeing the Change + Check stickers. 

Their Majesties have a longstanding relationship with organisations which support research into cancer and help those who are living with the condition. The King, as Prince of Wales, became Patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides medical and financial support to cancer sufferers and promotes better cancer care. 

In 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic, The King (as Prince of Wales) wrote an article for The Telegraph on the challenges faced by those with cancer, which read:

I have been proud to be Patron of Macmillan Cancer Support and, during that time, I have met countless people whose lives have been touched by cancer. I never cease to be inspired by those who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to helping them. They seem to me to exemplify so many of the qualities that, in a time of great trial, are a cause for immense admiration and gratitude.

Since 2008, The Queen has been President of Maggie's, an innovative charity which has built a number of centres in the UK and abroad to provide a supportive and caring environment for people with cancer. 

The Duchess of Gloucester is Patron of Prostate Cancer UK, which raises awareness about prostate disease and supports research into treatment.

Read more about The Royal Family's support for those living with cancer.