The monarch shared what “can help” while speaking with a student undergoing cancer treatment

King Charles is sharing what “can help” during cancer treatment as his care continues.

The King, 76, made the revelation in conversation with Stamford Collis at The Education and Skills Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 14. Collins, 22, is a student at Exeter University and is undergoing treatment for cancer.

“He was asking me about the treatment I have starting in June and spoke to me about food and diet. He also asked me if I had undergone radiation treatment, which I had earlier this year,” Collis said after he met the King, The Telegraph reported.

The sovereign was heard saying, “It’s sometimes about the diet and what you eat. It can help.”

King Charles has been called a “foodie” by former royal chefs, and Queen Camilla’s food writer son, Tom Parker Bowles, recently revealed that the couple eats “simple, healthy and resolutely seasonal food.”

In a piece for The Daily Mail ahead of the release of his book, Cooking and the Crown: Royal Recipes from Queen Victoria to King Charles III, Tom said that the royal’s pantry is filled with “seasonal bounty of the royal estates,” including “game, beef and lamb,” plus fruits and vegetables like “peas, strawberries, raspberries and chard.”

“There is no waste at [King Charles’] table,” Tom said.

King Charles offered his personal comment at the second royal garden party of the season, which he attended with his wife, Queen Camilla.

Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024 that King Charles was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment. Though the King had a procedure to treat a benign enlarged prostate that January, a spokesman clarified he does not have prostate cancer.

The King followed doctors’ advice to postpone public-facing work for what proved to be a three-month period and resumed forward duties late that April, keeping busy ever since. Palace sources said before Christmas that the King’s treatment for cancer would continue into the new year.

“His treatment has been moving in a positive direction and as a managed condition the treatment cycle will continue into next year,” palace sources said.

On March 27, the palace announced that the King was briefly hospitalized following an adverse reaction to his routine cancer treatment.

The palace said that the sovereign was admitted to the London Clinic (where he had had the prostate operation) after experiencing “temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital.”

Sources said that such setbacks are not uncommon, with a royal source describing the scare as “the most minor bump in the road that’s very much heading in the right direction.”

The King canceled his plans for that afternoon and the next day, returning to work the following week after a “restful” weekend at Highgrove House, his beloved country home.

A Complete Timeline of King Charles’ Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.

Buckingham Palace revealed that the King has cancer after he underwent a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate

King Charles is focusing on his health following his cancer diagnosis.

After undergoing a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate in January, Buckingham Palace revealed that the King has cancer on Feb. 5.

“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the palace said in a statement.

The statement added that King Charles has “commenced a schedule of regular treatments” which will cause him to postpone his public-facing duties for the time being.

The medical diagnosis comes after his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton underwent abdominal surgery, which will also cause her to be out of the public eye in the coming months. Her surgery took place on Jan. 16 and she was later discharged to her home in Windsor on Jan. 29, where she has been recovering.

Here’s everything to know about King Charles’ medical timeline.

January 17, 2024: Buckingham Palace reveals King Charles will receive treatment for an enlarged prostate 

In mid-January, Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles would undergo a medical procedure on his prostate.

“In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,” Buckingham Palace announced in a statement. “His Majesty’s condition is benign, and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure.”

They added, “The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.” At the time, it was understood that the King wanted to share his diagnosis to encourage men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked.

January 26, 2024: King Charles is admitted to the hospital for surgery 

The following week, King Charles was photographed arriving with Queen Camilla at the private London Clinic, the same hospital where Kate was recovering from abdominal surgery. PEOPLE understands that the King visited the Princess of Wales in the hospital ahead of his own surgery.

According to U.K. newspaper The Telegraph, Charles left Clarence House just after 8:30 a.m. local time on Friday, having returned to London the previous day ahead of the procedure.

“The King was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment,” Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement. “His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week and is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness.”

January 27, 2024: Queen Camilla visits King Charles in the hospital 

After Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles was in the hospital, his wife was subsequently photographed leaving The London Clinic three separate times over a 24-hour period.

During one trip, Camilla also informed well-wishers gathered outside about her husband’s well-being. “He’s fine, thank you,” she said, per ITV’s Chris Ship.

January 29, 2024: King Charles leaves the hospital after his surgery 

Three days after his surgery, King Charles was released from the hospital. He left the hospital’s front entrance alongside his wife, Queen Camilla, waving to the gathering crowd outside as he walked to his awaiting car.

“The King was this afternoon discharged from hospital following planned medical treatment and has rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

“He would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days,” the statement continued.

February 4, 2024: King Charles is seen for the first time since his surgery 

On Feb. 4, the King was seen for the first time since leaving the hospital as he greeted well-wishers outside St. Mary Magdalene Church near Sandringham. He was accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, as they both walked to Sunday services near their country home in Norfolk, England. The royals were also pictured with the Rev. Canon Dr. Paul Williams, the Rector of Sandringham.

February 5, 2024: King Charles announces cancer diagnosis 

The day after stepping out for the Sunday church service, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.

“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the palace said in a statement.

“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual,” the statement continued.

“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible,” the statement added. “His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

PEOPLE understands King Charles told his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, about the diagnosis himself. The King also personally informed his siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, before the news was made public.

February 6, 2024: King Charles photographed for first time since cancer news

On Feb. 6, the King and Queen Camilla were photographed driving from Clarence House, their home in London, one day after the palace made the shocking announcement about the King’s health.

The royals gave a wave through the window, and the couple reportedly made their way to Buckingham Palace, where they’d travel to Sandringham House by helicopter.

King Charles had just met with his younger son, Prince Harry, who traveled from California to London to see his father amid the news of his cancer diagnosis.

February 10, 2024: King Charles speaks out for the first time about cancer

In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the monarch expressed his thanks for all of the well-wishes he has received in the wake of his health news.

“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” the King said. “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”

“It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations which support cancer patients and their families across the U.K. and wider world,” the statement continued. “My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”

February 18, 2024: King Charles attends church with Queen Camilla

Throughout February, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended church at St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. King Charles has returned to London for cancer treatment and meetings with staff, but he’s mainly stayed out of the public eye in the country at Sandringham as he continues his duties behind the scenes.

February 21, 2024: King Charles has his first in-person meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak since cancer diagnosis

King Charles held his first face-to-face audience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak since sharing his cancer news with the world on Feb. 21.

The prime minister told the monarch, “We’re all behind you. The country’s behind you.”

The King replied, “I’ve had so many wonderful messages and cards. It’s reduced me to tears most of the time.”

March 21, 2024: Queen Camilla shares a health update on King Charles

During a solo trip to Northern Ireland, Queen Camilla offered a brief update on her husband’s health while visiting the Arcadia Delicatessen in Belfast.

“He’s doing very well. He was very disappointed he couldn’t come,” Camilla said, according to Hello! magazine.

She also joked that she tries to “keep him in order” when someone quipped that men don’t “make the best patients.”

May 17, 2024: King Charles announces his first overseas trip since his diagnosis

King Charles is set to travel to Normandy, France on June 6, 2024, where he will be joined by Queen Camilla.

They will attend the Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion’s commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial on the 80^th anniversary of D-Day. The visit will mark his first international engagement since his cancer diagnosis.

March 27, 2025: King Charles is hospitalized due to side effects of cancer treatment

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Buckingham Palace said King Charles had been hospitalized at The London Clinic “following scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer this morning.”

Charles had experienced “temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital,” which also led him to postpone his royal engagements that day and the following day.

After Charles returned to Clarence House on March 28 to recover, he was photographed for the first time since his hospitalization while in a car being driven away from the residence. He waved to onlookers as the car passed.

King Charles’ Life in Photos: From Young Prince to Reigning Monarch

Not only is he the sovereign to the British throne — for which he will be officially crowned on May 6 — but King Charles is also a husband, father, grandfather and nature lover. Take a look back at the most memorable highlights of the royal’s life

He’s used to taking charge in the driver’s seat. Queen Elizabeth watches her young son, Charles Philip Arthur George, driving in a toy car on the grounds of Balmoral Castle in 1952.

Young King Charles bonding with Princess Anne

Being Queen Elizabeth‘s oldest child comes the great responsibility of being a big brother. Princess Anne and King Charles share a laugh in this adorable 1952 photo.

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Young King Charles and his family having fun at Balmoral

Growing up, Charles had the Balmoral Estate as his playground. In this photo, then-Prince Charles and Princess Anne are pushed on a swing by their father, Prince Philip, with their mother looking and smiling.

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Young King Charles and his family picnic at Balmoral

Posing in front of the breathtaking Balmoral Castle, a smiling baby Prince Andrew steals the show in this black-and-white family photo in 1960. Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, King Charles, Princess Anne and their household dog also pose while enjoying their group picnic.

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Teen King Charles and Queen Elizabeth in 1967

King Charles dressed to kilt. The royal joined his mother for an appearance in 1967.

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King Charles posing with his parents and siblings at Balmoral

Charles striked a pose with his parents and siblings for a family portrait. Although it was taken in front of Balmoral Castle during their annual summer holiday in 1972, the image ended up as their Christmas card!

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King Charles modeling with a dog in 1978

The Queen’s oldest child always looked the part. Charles sported a blazer, a tartan skirt and red knee socks while holding a cane and posing with a dog outside the castle in 1978.

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King Charles with his parents and siblings in a group photo

Family portrait! Prince Edward, King Charles, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew gather for a picture with their parents (and a pet!) at Balmoral in 1979.

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King Charles driving a Range Rover

King Charles takes a spin behind the wheel of his 1975 Range Rover in 1979. This same vehicle — which he used while dating Princess Diana — was auctioned for £101,150 (over $133,000) in 2018.

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King Charles with Princess Diana and baby Prince William

King Charles became a father in 1982 when Princess Diana gave birth to Prince William. In this shot, the then-new parents have a picnic with their baby son, who leaned on Charles to stay standing.

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King Charles with Princess Diana and their two sons

Prince Harry completed the brood in 1984. Here, they pose together for a casual 1987 portrait.

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King Charles and sons at the River Dee

Charles passed on his love for the outdoors to his sons. In 1987, they were photographed playing on the bank of the River Dee near Balmoral Estate.

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King Charles painting in Switzerland

King Charles is a man of many hobbies. The royal paints with watercolors in Klosters, Switzerland, in 1994.

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King Charles and his family attending the V-J Day parade

Princess Diana, Prince Harry, Prince William and King Charles look presentable while watching a parade in August 1994. The march is part of the commemorations of V-J Day — the day Japan surrendered during World War II.

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King Charles and his sons at Glenmuick

King Charles sported a monochromatic green ensemble while exploring the verdant outdoors. In this shot, the sovereign visits Glenmuick on the Balmoral Castle estate with sons Prince William and Prince Harry.

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King Charles and his sons enjoying the outdoors

In 1997, the monarch joined his children for a morning stroll. Here, the father-son trio walk on the rocky terrain while in professional outfits.

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King Charles marries Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle

King Charles and Queen Camilla tied the knot at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on April 9, 2005.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla spend their first wedding anniversary at Balmoral

King Charles and Camilla spent their first anniversary at Birkhall on the Balmoral Estate in Scotland. They dressed appropriately, in matching tartan skirts.

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King Charles with his sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren

King Charles is now a grandfather of five! He’s the proud granddad to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

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King Charles and Queen Elizabeth watching a game in Scotland

In September 2018, King Charles and Queen Elizabeth enjoyed watching traditional games at the Braemar Highland Gathering in Scotland. On this day, they opened a special exhibition of the Scottish Highland’s games and culture, which was named after Charles’ title at the time — The Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion.