Davina McCall has shared her support for King Charles and Princess Kate as she met the royals at a major event hosted by Cancer Research UK. The television presenter heaped praise on the monarch and the princess of Wales during a reception at St James' Palace in London.
Royal Attendance at Cancer Research UK Event
The King, Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attended the reception celebrating the organisation's work. The event holds particular significance for King Charles and Princess Kate, both of whom have been diagnosed with cancer. Kate announced last year that she was in remission, while the King's treatment schedule has been reduced following an early diagnosis and positive response to treatment.
King Charles is the patron of Cancer Research UK, and the event marked the organisation's 125th anniversary. The royals met clinicians, volunteers, researchers, and partners involved in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Davina McCall's Personal Cancer Journey
Davina McCall, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and underwent surgery to remove a lump, said she was given the "all clear" in April. Speaking at the event, she told the Press Association: "It was a really wonderful exchange, and they (the King, Queen and Princess) are all wonderful." She added: "I can't imagine what it must be like having going through something like cancer, and then sort of having to tell people about it, when possibly it would have been much easier and nicer to not have to share it with the world."
The Masked Singer UK judge continued: "And I've got to say, after my brain tumour, I didn't massively want to have to do that myself. But it really helped me get through it by sharing it, and other people relating, or feeling like I could help." In 2024, Davina underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumour.
Meeting with the Royals
The royals walked through the Throne Room at St James's Palace on Tuesday evening. The King was introduced to the charity's representatives by Cancer Research UK chair Lord Simon Stevens of Birmingham, while the Queen was introduced by chief executive Michelle Mitchell. After shaking hands, Davina told Kate it was an "absolute honour" to meet her. The pair discussed McCall's cancer journey, with the TV presenter describing it as "liberating" to talk publicly about her experience.
Kensington Palace announced Kate's attendance at the reception on Tuesday morning.
Ronan Keating's Involvement
Boyzone star Ronan Keating also attended the event. The singer has used his platform to fight cancer after his mother, Marie, died from breast cancer in 1998 at age 51. He launched the Marie Keating Foundation to promote cancer awareness and early detection, which works alongside Cancer Research UK to fund Cancer Awareness Roadshows. Ronan himself faced a cancer scare in 2009 when he discovered a lump on his testicle, but tests revealed it was a small cyst, and he was given the "all clear".
