King Charles has said he “won’t see the long-distant future” while speaking at a “Greater Together” event in New York during the latest stop of his state visit to the US. The King, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, made the remark while addressing a crowd of celebrities and supporters at Christie’s auction house.
The event was held in partnership with The King’s Trust, the charity he founded, and was attended by figures including Lionel Richie, Anna Wintour, Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren, Katherine Jenkins, model Iman, and Donatella Versace. The gathering showcased the UK’s cultural importance across the States in areas such as sport, arts and community.
After being introduced to the stage by Lionel Richie, King’s Trust Global Ambassador, Charles joked that he hesitated to make “yet another speech.” He said the evening was an opportunity to celebrate the Trust and the “enduring bond” between the UK and US, describing the relationship as rooted in shared creativity, enterprise and values and noting “we are truly greater together.”
Reflecting on the charity’s history, he called it a “wonderfully proud but extraordinary moment” to think it had been 50 years since he started the Trust.
He said it was difficult to get off the ground but they did, and hailed the difference it made over five decades investing in young people to create self-confidence and highly successful businesses that were later sold for millions.
Charles then turned to the future, telling the audience: “As we look to the future, I won’t see the long-distance future, but I’m enormously grateful to you for what you can all do as supporters to help in this vital endeavour to champion the next generation ensuring that their talent and ambition continue to strengthen our society for many years to come.”
The 77-year-old monarch was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024 after it was detected during a hospital procedure for a benign prostate enlargement.
He underwent regular treatments before taking a break from public duties. In December 2025 he said that early diagnosis “quite simply saves lives,” and has since modified his public schedule while continuing royal engagements. 93a1e39e
