King Charles expresses heartfelt thanks for his cancer support in Christmas message King Charles III

King Charles used his Christmas speech to thank doctors and nurses who gave him “strength, care and comfort” during his cancer treatment.

He also praised the diversity and way communities across the UK resisted the summer riots following the murder of three children in Southport.

Speaking at London’s Fritzrovia Chapel, a former sacred space of the demolished Middlesex Hospital, the king heartily thanked the medical teams who supported him and his family “through the uncertainties and fears of the disease.”

His comments come as the Princess of Wales is gradually returning to public duties after completing chemotherapy. Kate said in September that she was doing what she could to “stay cancer-free.”

The king’s cancer treatment is expected to continue in the new year, almost a year after it was announced he was being treated for the disease. No further details about Kate and the king’s condition were revealed.

The monarch said in his address: “I am also deeply grateful to everyone who has offered us their own kind words of compassion and encouragement.”

A key part of the king’s Christmas address focused on the backlash to the violent aftermath of the fatal knife attacks on three girls at a dance class in Southport on July 29. He spoke of his pride in how communities came together after the unrest that followed.

There was serious unrest, triggered by false information about the alleged identity of the attacker. At the time, Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the riots, which targeted mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers, as a “far-right brawl”. The king was kept daily informed of the public unrest.

The violence only subsided after a series of peaceful counter-protests and rapid police and judicial action against the rioters. The king said: “I was deeply proud here in the UK when, in response to the anger and lawlessness in several cities this summer, communities came together, not to repeat this behavior, but to repair it.”

“To repair not only buildings but also relationships. And, most importantly, to restore trust; by listening and, through understanding, deciding how to act for the good of all.”

During the broadcast, footage was shown of the king speaking to emergency workers who responded to the fatal knife attacks in Southport.

The unrest sparked widespread concern, with influential US billionaire Elon Musk predicting on his X platform that “civil war is inevitable”.

The King and Queen Camilla visited Waltham Forest Town Hall, north-east London, last week to celebrate the community solidarity of Walthamstow residents who took to the streets in August to stage one of the largest peaceful counter-protests.

Charles noted in his speech that this community cohesion was also evident during his visit to the South Pacific, where he attended the Commonwealth Summit in October. He said the trip was a reminder of “how diversity of culture, ethnicity and faith brings strength, not weakness.”

“Across the Commonwealth, what holds us together is a willingness to listen to one another, learn from one another and discover how much we have in common,” he said. “Because by listening we learn to respect our differences, reduce prejudices and open up new possibilities.”

The king also noted the “devastating impact of the conflict in the Middle East, Central Europe, Africa and elsewhere” and praised “humanitarian organizations that are working tirelessly to provide vital assistance.”

“The example Jesus set is timeless and universal. It’s about entering the world of those who are suffering, changing their lives and bringing hope where there is despair.”

The show, produced this year by Sky News, ended with London-based youth choir Inner Voices singing the Christmas carol Once in Royal David’s City.

The king attended the traditional Christmas service in Sandringham along with other members of the royal family, but his brother Prince Andrew did not.

Last week it was announced that the Duke of York would not be attending the service amid controversy over his links to a suspected Chinese spy. He is said to be preparing to spend Christmas Day this year with his ex-wife Sarah, the Duchess of York.

The King and Queen were joined at Sandringham Church by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George (11), Princess Charlotte (9) and Prince Louis (6). Also in the church were the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.