The King’s cancer treatment is expected to continue into 2025 almost a year after it was discovered while he was treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate.

Buckingham Palace sources told Sky News that “his treatment has been moving in a positive direction and as a managed condition the treatment cycle will continue into next year”.

Further details of the King’s condition have not been disclosed, and when announcing the diagnosis in February, the Palace asked for privacy and only confirmed it is a “form of cancer”.

Charles was diagnosed after a “separate issue of concern was noted” and investigated while he was being treated for his benign prostate condition.

(Image: PA Wire)

He cancelled all face-to-face public duties but returned in April and has since travelled to France for D-Day commemorations, hosted an incoming state visit for the Emperor of Japan, and undertaken a hectic tour to Australia and Samoa with the Queen, despite still undergoing outpatient cancer treatment.

As the Prince of Wales, Charles was the nation’s longest-serving heir to the throne, and he became King on September 8 2022 on the death of his mother, the late Queen.

Later today, the King and Queen will attend a reception at Waltham Forest Town Hall to celebrate community cohesion in the London borough.

They will meet local community volunteers, young people, emergency services, and faith representatives operating in Waltham Forest.

When is the King’s Speech?

King Charles will give his third Christmas speech to the nation on Christmas Day.

His Majesty’s pre-recorded speech will air on BBC, ITV and Sky News from 3pm on Christmas Day and will last for around 10 minutes.

You will also be able to listen on BBC Radio 4 at the same time with replays of the speech expected later in the day.

BBC One Christmas Day TV schedule

  • 3pm - The King's Speech
  • 3.10pm - The Weakest Link Christmas Special
  • 3.55pm - Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
  • 5.10pm - Doctor Who: Joy to the World
  • 6.10pm - Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
  • 7.30pm - EastEnders
  • 8.00pm - Call The Midwife Christmas Special (Part One)
  • 9.00pm - Gavin & Stacey: The Finale
  • 10.35pm - EastEnders

ITV1 Christmas Day TV schedule

  • 3.00pm - The King's Speech
  • 3.10pm - Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • 5.25pm - Bullseye Christmas Special
  • 6.20pm - ITV News, Weather
  • 6.30pm - Emmerdale
  • 7.00pm - Coronation Street
  • 8.00pm - The Chase: Christmas Special
  • 9pm - Downton Abbey: A New Era

Channel 4 Christmas Day TV schedule

  • 2.45pm - The Italian Job
  • 4.50pm - Alternative Christmas Message
  • 4.55pm - Channel 4 News
  • 5.00pm - Miracle on 34th Street
  • 7.05pm - The Piano at Christmas
  • 8.20pm - Raiders of the Lost Ark
  • 10.35pm - Notting Hill