Whispers about King Charles' health were confirmed in February of last year when he began undergoing treatment for cancer.

Yet rather than focus on his own condition, the British monarch recently spoke to some of his subjects about their physical struggles. 

Charles speaks with fellow cancer patient

According to the Daily Mail, Charles met with medical patients this week when he was present for the opening of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.

Among those with whom the king interacted was Matthew Shinda, who is himself suffering from prostate cancer. "I've got what you've got," Sinda told Charles. 'Last stage. I could go today, I could go tomorrow."

"I am sorry about that, it's so frustrating. We're probably about the same age are we?" the 76-year-old king replied, with Shinda stating that he is one year younger.

When Charles expressed hope that hospital staff were making Shinda "comfortable," he said, "Of course. That's one of the priorities. Making me comfortable."

The Daily Mail noted that Shinda was accompanied by his daughter, Philippa Matthew, his younger sister, Jessie Sharif, and his wife, Elizabeth Shinda.

Elderly woman recalls meeting the king nearly five decades ago

Charles also encountered 85-year-old Jacqueline Page, who recalled how her family had met the king when he traveled to Birmingham in 1978.

"You came in a helicopter and you got out of the helicopter and you walked straight towards my parents," she recalled. "They shook hands with you. I didn't get a look in, so I'm so delighted you're talking to me today."

"It was a wonderful old helicopter I seem to remember," Charles reminisced. "I used to fly it. Because I'd flown them in the Navy. I left the Navy in 1976 but I could still remember how to fly it. That was the great thing."

"I do hope this isn't causing too much interruption," the king said of his visit. Page denied that it was, stating, "Lovely to meet you. I wish it was in better circumstances."

Hospital director calls king's visit an "honor"

Sir David Nicholson serves as chairman of the hospital, and he celebrated Charles' visit, telling the monarch, "It is a tremendous honor to stand before you today on this momentous occasion."

"This is a day of immense pride, not just for those of us who have been part of this project from its inception, but for the entire community who will benefit from this world-class facility for generations to come," he continued.

"Your Majesty, it is with the deepest gratitude and immense pride that we welcome you here today to officially open Midland Metropolitan University Hospital," the official went on to add.