It’s nearly two years since Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles was suffering from cancer, sending the nation into a sense of profound shock.
Patients respond in different ways to such a diagnosis. Some go into their shell, some are gripped by fear, others treat it with a degree of passive fatalism.
For the King it served as a call to action. Far from succumbing to self-pity, he was spurred on to make the most of each day.
Whether driving a tram in Wales, comforting victims of the Manchester synagogue terror attack or hosting a grand state visit, the King has thrown himself into his work.
In the past 20 months, he has carried out almost 600 engagements – a phenomenal workload for anyone, let alone a man undergoing cancer treatment. He has occasionally looked pale and rheumy-eyed, but the way he has kept his charm and good humour in adversity has been inspirational.
Doctors say a positive attitude can aid recovery. The King’s stoical mindset (allied to expert medical treatment) appears to be proving the point.
In a televised message yesterday, he confirmed that he is well enough for his medication to be reduced. The cancer isn’t cured but is thought to be under control.
This will come as a huge relief to the millions of Britons who believe passionately that the monarchy is a force for good and that Charles is performing the role of sovereign with great dignity and skill.
King Charles recorded a personal message to be broadcast alongside Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK’s Stand Up To Cancer Campaign
Queen Camilla has stood by the King at every point on his cancer journey. The royal couple pictured earlier this year in Apia, Samoa
When first told he had cancer, his response was typically understated. ‘It is a bit of a bugger,’ he told aides.
Significantly, his tumour was picked up purely by chance when he was being treated for benign prostate enlargement. As a result, he has become an ardent supporter of routine screening.
Throughout his ordeal, he has thought of how best to use his own experience to help others. By speaking out so candidly and backing the Stand Up to Cancer campaign he is raising awareness and almost certainly saving lives.
At every point on his cancer journey, he has been buoyed by the steadfast love and devotion of his wife, Camilla, who has grown into her role as Queen just as Charles has into his as King.
They have had a lot to cope with beside the medical crisis. The protracted Andrew scandal prompted accusations the King had been slow to cut him loose.
But the speed with which he exiled his younger brother, after The Mail on Sunday revealed he had kept up contact with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein far longer than he admitted, was strong and decisive.
Charles has much to look forward to in the coming year, not least the 50th anniversary of the King’s (formerly Prince’s) Trust.
When he first suggested setting up a charity to help disadvantaged young people, stuffy courtiers tried to dissuade him, saying such sharp-end activism did not become a future king.
Undaunted, he pressed ahead, and the trust has since helped tens of thousands to rise from the margins of society and forge good lives.
His loved and admired mother was never going to be an easy act to follow, but Charles has proved the doubters wrong. The fact he has done so in such difficult circumstances is truly remarkable.
The Daily Mail rejoices in his medical improvement and wishes him and the Queen the happiest – and healthiest – of Christmases.