King Charles’ cancer treatment: Lionel Richie shares health update

Richie also discussed the king's gradual return to royal duties and his enthusiasm for the event's success.

Lionel Richie, 74-year-old renowned musician and American Idol judge, has shared a hopeful health update about King Charles III.

During his appearance at the first King’s Trust Global Gala in New York on Thursday, Richie expressed his relief and satisfaction regarding the king's condition, telling People magazine, "Happily I can say, he is doing fantastic."

At 75, the monarch recently resumed public appearances following his cancer diagnosis earlier in February.

With a light-hearted tone, Richie emphasised the importance of the king taking it easy, remarking, "He needs to sit still, you know what I’m saying."

"The most crucial aspect is that he's well and has returned to his responsibilities. So, the last thing he should be doing is proving something by travelling here," Richie added.

As a King’s Trust Global Ambassador and Chairman of the Global Ambassadors Group, Richie expressed his commitment to effectively representing the trust, ensuring, "We are here to represent and we’re gonna do a great job of that."

Richie humorously anticipated a call from King Charles after the gala, expecting the king's eager inquiry about the event's success. "Believe me, my question [from him] now is, ‘How was it?’ After I finish tonight, I’m gonna get that call saying, ‘Well, how was it?’" he joked.

King Charles has been progressively taking up his royal duties again after publicly disclosing his cancer diagnosis in February. Buckingham Palace has announced several upcoming engagements for the King, including a state visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan at Buckingham Palace in late June.

"He is always pushing, his staff and everyone—doctors and nurses—to let him do this or that," shared his nephew Peter Phillips, highlighting the King's eagerness to resume normal activities despite the recovery process perhaps taking longer than he would prefer.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson noted that the medical team is pleased with King Charles' progress so far and has given him the green light to continue his duties while he undergoes treatment.

Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the monarch, Richie, who was also selected to perform at the royal coronation in April 2023, shared his excitement and honour at being involved in such a significant event, emphasising the rarity and privilege of such an opportunity.