King Charles III described Wednesday how a cancer diagnosis can be a “daunting and at times frightening” experience for sufferers and their loved ones as he hosted an event to laud the “extraordinary work” of cancer charities.

King Charles spoke about his own experience as a cancer patient on Wednesday, during a private reception he and Queen Camilla hosted at Buckingham Palace. The royals welcomed people working in community-based cancer organizations and initiatives, with the king personally expressing gratitude for their dedicated work.

Britain’s King Charles opened up about his cancer diagnosis on Wednesday, saying it can be a “daunting” and “at times frightening” experience for those living with the illness.