At 76 years old, King Charles III showcased resilience by visiting the Coleraine campus of Ulster University in Northern Ireland on March 20, 2025, where he met cancer patients and researchers dedicated to combating the disease. Diagnosed in February 2024, the monarch, joined by Queen Camilla, used the occasion to offer words of encouragement, share insights on treatment challenges, and explore cutting-edge scientific advancements that could transform cancer care. His visit to the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology underscored his commitment to supporting those facing the same struggle, as he continues his own treatment throughout this year.
Engaging with patients, Charles discussed the side effects of therapies, asking with empathy if they were “coping well” with the difficulties. He also referenced a Winston Churchill quote, “Keep going,” as a mantra of perseverance that mirrors his approach to the illness. The interaction blended warmth and solidarity, reinforcing his bond with those in similar circumstances during an event that merged human connection with a focus on scientific progress.
The king also delved into the work of scientists developing innovative techniques, such as microbubble technology to deliver drugs directly to tumors. This engagement with pioneering research in Northern Ireland highlights Ulster University’s role as a hub for oncology advancements, while Charles’ presence draws attention to the power of combining personal resilience with academic innovation in the fight against cancer.

Connecting with patients reveals monarch’s human side
Charles III spared no effort to relate to the patients at the university. In a conversation noted by British media, he inquired about their experiences with treatment side effects, revealing he faces similar hurdles. “You just have to keep going, don’t you?” he remarked, striking a chord of camaraderie that showed his royal status doesn’t shield him from the grit required to battle cancer.
Accompanied by Camilla, the king listened to tales of struggle and triumph, offering supportive words that resonated deeply. His visit, timed as he continues his own treatment, sends a powerful message that perseverance matters across all walks of life, spotlighting the value of spaces where patients can share their journeys.
- “Keep going”: Churchill’s words echoed by Charles for motivation.
- Empathetic query: “Are you coping well with the side effects?”
- Shared sentiment: “You just have to keep going, don’t you?”
Scientific breakthroughs captivate King Charles
At the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, the king got a firsthand look at research poised to redefine cancer treatment. Peering through a microscope, he examined a technique using microbubbles to deliver medication precisely to tumor sites, potentially boosting treatment effectiveness while sparing healthy tissue. Charles called the work “amazing,” visibly impressed by its promise.
Led by experts like Professor Mark Taylor, the team is chasing the next “eureka moment” in cancer research. Doctoral students and scientists briefed the monarch on how these stimulus-responsive therapeutic systems are taking shape, emphasizing precision and innovation. The visit spotlighted Ulster University as a leader in oncology studies, amplifying the region’s contributions.
Charles’ curiosity wasn’t just ceremonial. He posed detailed questions to the researchers, eager to understand how these advancements could benefit patients worldwide, including those like him navigating cancer’s challenges daily.
A personal journey turned public platform
Diagnosed in February 2024, King Charles III has transformed his cancer battle into a platform for awareness. Buckingham Palace confirmed the condition after routine medical checks, and since then, the monarch has juggled royal duties with ongoing treatment into 2025. Choosing to visit a research hub and connect with patients reflects his intent to turn a private struggle into a collective cause.
Prior to the Northern Ireland trip, Charles had resumed some public engagements, but the Coleraine visit stood out for blending his patient perspective with his role as an advocate. Queen Camilla’s presence alongside him underscored the family support he relies on, a dynamic that resonates with patients leaning on their own loved ones.
His rare openness about his health humanizes the monarchy and fuels broader conversations about cancer, a disease impacting millions. By staying active amid treatment, Charles inspires others while leveraging his platform to champion ongoing medical progress.
- February 2024: Cancer diagnosis confirmed.
- 2025: Treatment continues.
- March 20: Ulster University visit takes place.
Visit amplifies cancer fight efforts
Charles’ stop at Ulster University carries weight beyond symbolism. By engaging with patients and researchers, he shines a light on the realities of living with cancer and the research poised to alter that landscape. Northern Ireland, with its top-tier academic centers, gains prominence as an innovation hub, while patients find in the king a relatable figure of strength.
Researchers seized the royal visit to showcase how local efforts could shape future treatments. The microbubble technique, still in development, sparks optimism for its precision in targeting tumors, offering hope for patients in advanced stages.
The event also underscores the need for investment in science and public health. As Charles mingled with attendees, his presence subtly urged governments and institutions to prioritize oncology funding, a field demanding relentless advancement.
Shared struggles unite king and patients
Battling cancer brings challenges Charles knows intimately. During the visit, he heard accounts of therapy side effects like fatigue and nausea—hardships he’s encountered since his diagnosis. This exchange bridged the gap between monarch and patients, fostering a sense of mutual understanding in Coleraine.
For many, treatment is a marathon requiring physical and emotional stamina. By referencing Churchill and stressing the need to “keep going,” Charles acknowledged this truth, proving even a royal figure faces the same highs and lows. His empathy struck a chord, offering patients a sense of kinship.
Queen Camilla, steadfast by his side, also connected with attendees, highlighting the critical role of emotional support. This facet of the visit emphasized how vital a support network is for those in treatment, a pillar Charles has leaned on throughout his journey.
Timeline of the king’s 2025 efforts
Charles’ schedule reflects his resolve to balance health and public duty:
- February 2024: Buckingham Palace announces diagnosis.
- Early 2025: King gradually resumes public roles.
- March 20, 2025: Ulster University visit occurs.
This timeline illustrates how he navigates treatment while amplifying causes like cancer research.
Northern Ireland research takes center stage
The Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology at Ulster University shone during the visit as a beacon of innovation. Scientists unveiled to Charles a project transcending conventional therapies, focusing on microbubbles to deliver drugs straight to tumors. This approach, still evolving, could lessen side effects and heighten treatment success.
Professor Mark Taylor, a key figure in the research, stressed the team’s aim for a game-changing breakthrough. The royal spotlight boosted the work of doctoral students and specialists collaborating to turn concepts into reality, showcasing Northern Ireland’s global potential.
Charles’ inquisitiveness left an impression. He probed the mechanics of microbubbles and the project’s next steps, revealing a genuine stake in how these innovations could aid patients like him and countless others worldwide.
A monarch motivating through experience
King Charles III’s Northern Ireland visit left a lasting impact on both patients and researchers. By sharing his cancer journey, he offered a model of courage and resolve, while his backing of science underscored the value of life-saving advancements. In Coleraine, he proved his influence extends beyond royalty, reaching everyday people grappling with the disease.
Patients left the encounter uplifted by Charles’ encouragement, delivered despite his own treatment demands. For researchers, the visit validated their tireless efforts, potentially drawing more focus and funding to regional oncology work.
- Human connection: Charles shares experiences with patients.
- Science boost: King highlights microbubble innovation.
- Inspiration: Monarch motivates with his own story.

At 76 years old, King Charles III showcased resilience by visiting the Coleraine campus of Ulster University in Northern Ireland on March 20, 2025, where he met cancer patients and researchers dedicated to combating the disease. Diagnosed in February 2024, the monarch, joined by Queen Camilla, used the occasion to offer words of encouragement, share insights on treatment challenges, and explore cutting-edge scientific advancements that could transform cancer care. His visit to the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology underscored his commitment to supporting those facing the same struggle, as he continues his own treatment throughout this year.
Engaging with patients, Charles discussed the side effects of therapies, asking with empathy if they were “coping well” with the difficulties. He also referenced a Winston Churchill quote, “Keep going,” as a mantra of perseverance that mirrors his approach to the illness. The interaction blended warmth and solidarity, reinforcing his bond with those in similar circumstances during an event that merged human connection with a focus on scientific progress.
The king also delved into the work of scientists developing innovative techniques, such as microbubble technology to deliver drugs directly to tumors. This engagement with pioneering research in Northern Ireland highlights Ulster University’s role as a hub for oncology advancements, while Charles’ presence draws attention to the power of combining personal resilience with academic innovation in the fight against cancer.

Connecting with patients reveals monarch’s human side
Charles III spared no effort to relate to the patients at the university. In a conversation noted by British media, he inquired about their experiences with treatment side effects, revealing he faces similar hurdles. “You just have to keep going, don’t you?” he remarked, striking a chord of camaraderie that showed his royal status doesn’t shield him from the grit required to battle cancer.
Accompanied by Camilla, the king listened to tales of struggle and triumph, offering supportive words that resonated deeply. His visit, timed as he continues his own treatment, sends a powerful message that perseverance matters across all walks of life, spotlighting the value of spaces where patients can share their journeys.
- “Keep going”: Churchill’s words echoed by Charles for motivation.
- Empathetic query: “Are you coping well with the side effects?”
- Shared sentiment: “You just have to keep going, don’t you?”
Scientific breakthroughs captivate King Charles
At the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, the king got a firsthand look at research poised to redefine cancer treatment. Peering through a microscope, he examined a technique using microbubbles to deliver medication precisely to tumor sites, potentially boosting treatment effectiveness while sparing healthy tissue. Charles called the work “amazing,” visibly impressed by its promise.
Led by experts like Professor Mark Taylor, the team is chasing the next “eureka moment” in cancer research. Doctoral students and scientists briefed the monarch on how these stimulus-responsive therapeutic systems are taking shape, emphasizing precision and innovation. The visit spotlighted Ulster University as a leader in oncology studies, amplifying the region’s contributions.
Charles’ curiosity wasn’t just ceremonial. He posed detailed questions to the researchers, eager to understand how these advancements could benefit patients worldwide, including those like him navigating cancer’s challenges daily.
A personal journey turned public platform
Diagnosed in February 2024, King Charles III has transformed his cancer battle into a platform for awareness. Buckingham Palace confirmed the condition after routine medical checks, and since then, the monarch has juggled royal duties with ongoing treatment into 2025. Choosing to visit a research hub and connect with patients reflects his intent to turn a private struggle into a collective cause.
Prior to the Northern Ireland trip, Charles had resumed some public engagements, but the Coleraine visit stood out for blending his patient perspective with his role as an advocate. Queen Camilla’s presence alongside him underscored the family support he relies on, a dynamic that resonates with patients leaning on their own loved ones.
His rare openness about his health humanizes the monarchy and fuels broader conversations about cancer, a disease impacting millions. By staying active amid treatment, Charles inspires others while leveraging his platform to champion ongoing medical progress.
- February 2024: Cancer diagnosis confirmed.
- 2025: Treatment continues.
- March 20: Ulster University visit takes place.
Visit amplifies cancer fight efforts
Charles’ stop at Ulster University carries weight beyond symbolism. By engaging with patients and researchers, he shines a light on the realities of living with cancer and the research poised to alter that landscape. Northern Ireland, with its top-tier academic centers, gains prominence as an innovation hub, while patients find in the king a relatable figure of strength.
Researchers seized the royal visit to showcase how local efforts could shape future treatments. The microbubble technique, still in development, sparks optimism for its precision in targeting tumors, offering hope for patients in advanced stages.
The event also underscores the need for investment in science and public health. As Charles mingled with attendees, his presence subtly urged governments and institutions to prioritize oncology funding, a field demanding relentless advancement.
Shared struggles unite king and patients
Battling cancer brings challenges Charles knows intimately. During the visit, he heard accounts of therapy side effects like fatigue and nausea—hardships he’s encountered since his diagnosis. This exchange bridged the gap between monarch and patients, fostering a sense of mutual understanding in Coleraine.
For many, treatment is a marathon requiring physical and emotional stamina. By referencing Churchill and stressing the need to “keep going,” Charles acknowledged this truth, proving even a royal figure faces the same highs and lows. His empathy struck a chord, offering patients a sense of kinship.
Queen Camilla, steadfast by his side, also connected with attendees, highlighting the critical role of emotional support. This facet of the visit emphasized how vital a support network is for those in treatment, a pillar Charles has leaned on throughout his journey.
Timeline of the king’s 2025 efforts
Charles’ schedule reflects his resolve to balance health and public duty:
- February 2024: Buckingham Palace announces diagnosis.
- Early 2025: King gradually resumes public roles.
- March 20, 2025: Ulster University visit occurs.
This timeline illustrates how he navigates treatment while amplifying causes like cancer research.
Northern Ireland research takes center stage
The Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology at Ulster University shone during the visit as a beacon of innovation. Scientists unveiled to Charles a project transcending conventional therapies, focusing on microbubbles to deliver drugs straight to tumors. This approach, still evolving, could lessen side effects and heighten treatment success.
Professor Mark Taylor, a key figure in the research, stressed the team’s aim for a game-changing breakthrough. The royal spotlight boosted the work of doctoral students and specialists collaborating to turn concepts into reality, showcasing Northern Ireland’s global potential.
Charles’ inquisitiveness left an impression. He probed the mechanics of microbubbles and the project’s next steps, revealing a genuine stake in how these innovations could aid patients like him and countless others worldwide.
A monarch motivating through experience
King Charles III’s Northern Ireland visit left a lasting impact on both patients and researchers. By sharing his cancer journey, he offered a model of courage and resolve, while his backing of science underscored the value of life-saving advancements. In Coleraine, he proved his influence extends beyond royalty, reaching everyday people grappling with the disease.
Patients left the encounter uplifted by Charles’ encouragement, delivered despite his own treatment demands. For researchers, the visit validated their tireless efforts, potentially drawing more focus and funding to regional oncology work.
- Human connection: Charles shares experiences with patients.
- Science boost: King highlights microbubble innovation.
- Inspiration: Monarch motivates with his own story.
