Charles’ Biggest Cancer Secret Revealed as Sources Disclose the 1 Thing ‘Keeping the Monarch Alive’

King Charles has been sick for a while. He was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, and though there have been some updates about his health that make it seem like he’s doing better, there has been nothing concrete.

Now, RadarOnline is revealing the one thing the King is doing to keep himself in good spirits during this complicated time: gardening. It’s something Charles has always had a passion for, and now those close to him say his love of nature is one of the things that is “keeping the monarch alive.”

One palace insider said: “For Charles, the natural world has never simply been a pastime or a royal interest – it has always been a deeply personal sanctuary. Long before he became King, and long before his recent health challenges, he would retreat to his gardens to think, reflect and recharge. Those close to him say that relationship with nature has become even more significant since his cancer diagnosis.”

The king has continued to spend significant time at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, which now features one of Britain’s most celebrated organic gardens.

“When he is walking through the grounds at Highgrove, discussing planting schemes, inspecting new growth or planning future projects, there is a visible change in him. It reconnects him with something that has been a constant throughout his adult life. In a period marked by medical appointments, public scrutiny and the immense responsibilities of the Crown, the gardens provide a sense of stability and normality that few other things can,” the source said.

One of the things doctors say can greatly influence your well-being during cancer treatment is to maintain a positive attitude and do things you enjoy. For Charles, that’s clearly being outside in nature.

“The King has never been the sort of person who is comfortable being idle or feeling sidelined. He has always preferred to be involved, asking questions, making decisions and finding practical ways to move projects forward. Gardening allows him to channel that energy into something positive and productive, even during difficult periods.”

And it’s so noticeable that his time gardening has reportedly been encouraged by those close to him. “People around him believe it gives him a psychological boost as much as anything else. Instead of focusing on illness, treatment or limitations, he is surrounded by living examples of renewal, resilience and growth. There is a great deal of symbolism in that. Watching something flourish after years of care and attention reinforces his naturally optimistic outlook.”

The King is 77 years old. In December of 2025, Charles revealed that his cancer treatment would be “reduced” in 2026, sounding optimistic about his health.

“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years; testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the fifty percent of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives,” he said during Channel 4’s Stand Up to Cancer broadcast.