King Charles spoke about his own experience as a cancer patient on Wednesday, during a private reception he and Queen Camilla hosted at Buckingham Palace. The royals welcomed people working in community-based cancer organizations and initiatives, with the king personally expressing gratitude for their dedicated work.

Britain’s King Charles opened up about his cancer diagnosis on Wednesday, saying it can be a “daunting” and “at times frightening” experience for those living with the illness.

King Charles III described Wednesday how a cancer diagnosis can be a “daunting and at times frightening” experience for sufferers and their loved ones as he hosted an event to laud the “extraordinary work” of cancer charities.