King Charles III traveled to Yorkshire on May 26, 2026, to meet with cancer patients and wildlife scientists during a series of royal engagements close to his heart.
The monarch toured the newly refurbished Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre at York Hospital in his capacity as Patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, a role he has held since 1997.
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Accompanied by York Hospital Chief Executive Clare Smith and Macmillan Cancer Support leader Gemma Peters, the King explored the facilities and a new tranquil garden where he planted a Macmillan Rose.
More than 70 local residents who experienced cancer contributed to the design of the center, influencing room layouts, furniture choices, color schemes, and artwork selection.
The original center opened in 1997 and has helped tens of thousands of people, with a multimillion-pound expansion currently underway to address increasing regional demand.
York Hospital serves as the base for more than 60 Macmillan professionals, including over 40 cancer nurse specialists and support officers assisting thousands of regional cancer patients annually.
During the hospital tour, the King spoke with 49-year-old Lou Rhodes, a stage four breast cancer patient from Hopgrove who was involved in the design and development of the center.
"The King was just lovely, so personable, so friendly," said Lou Rhodes, patient.
Rhodes noted that meeting the monarch was a true honor and stated that they seemed to connect straight away.
"He's got cancer, I've got cancer, and straightaway he sort of looked in my eyes, so you've got that bond I suppose," said Lou Rhodes, patient.
Rhodes expressed that the monarch understands the experience of receiving medical care.
"And I think he gets it, he understands, being a patient," said Lou Rhodes, patient.
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Red squirrel conservation project
Earlier in the day, the King visited the Animal and Plant Health Agency's York Biotech Campus to review a pioneering project aimed at protecting endangered native red squirrels.
The initiative, operating under the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, focuses on limiting non-native grey squirrel population growth through a humane oral contraceptive feeding program.
Researchers developed targeted, specialist feeding devices informed by extensive field trials to deliver the contraceptives humanely and reduce pressure on the dominant grey species.
Dr. Julie Lane, head of the National Wildlife Management Centre at the campus, thanked the monarch for his long-standing support of the species.
"What a wonderful day you've given us," said Dr. Julie Lane, head of the National Wildlife Management Centre.
Dr. Lane emphasized that the ongoing conservation efforts rely heavily on the monarch's advocacy.
"You've been championing our red squirrels for decades now, which is why we've been so keen to show you the work we've been doing here at the Animal and Plant Health Agency," said Dr. Julie Lane, head of the National Wildlife Management Centre.
The scientist credited the King's long-term involvement as the driving force behind the initiative.
"Without you, this work would not be happening at all," said Dr. Julie Lane, head of the National Wildlife Management Centre.
Before departing the campus, the King was presented with a framed photograph of a red squirrel taken at the nearby Yorkshire Arboretum at Castle Howard by field ecologist Erin Thomas.
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"That's fantastic," said King Charles III, Monarch.
