Clare Balding's cancer battle, voice scare and key Coronation role

06 May 2023 , 14:05

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Clare Balding has a key role in the Coronation coverage (Image: PA)

King Charles III has officially been crowned in a monumental ceremony. For some of us, it's the first time we've seen such a ceremony, as the late Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953.

As people celebrate by tucking into Coronation Quiches, opening bottles of fizz and putting their Coronation memorabilia front and centre in their homes, many will be eagerly watching the coverage of the historical event.

Huw Edwards, Kirsty Young, and Clare Balding are among the big names fronting the BBC's coverage of King Charles' Coronation. But there was once a time that Clare Balding was concerned that she wouldn't be able to speak again.

Clare Balding was most worried about her voice (Oliver Dixon/REX/Shutterstock)

Clare Balding, 52, a much-loved household name who has presented everything from the Olympics to Crufts, will provide commentary for the ceremonial route, which will see King Charles and Queen Camilla travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey and then back again after the ceremony has finished.

But just 13 years ago, Clare was undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer - and she was most concerned about losing her voice.

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Clare first became aware of a problem after spotting a lump on her throat while watching herself on TV.

In 2009, the broadcaster had an operation to remove a cyst from her throat in April then another to remove her thyroid gland.

At the time she released a statement about how she felt, stating that her "main worry" was her voice, as it's so important for her work.

She said: "I've been wheezing slightly but other than that I feel fine. My main worry is my voice because that is what I do."

At the time, she was concerned about it, but said: "The doctors say it won't kill me, so it won't. If I worry it will just make it worse."

Thankfully two years later in 2011, Clare received the all-clear from doctors, and told fans she was "very happy."

Now, her career has gone from strength to strength, working for Channel 4, the BBC, BT Sport and others.

In 2022, she was recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours and was appointed to the rank for her services to sport and charity - this comes after she received an made an OBE in 2013.

At the time, she said it was "overwhelming to be recognised for doing things I enjoy so much."

Clare works with various charities connected to sport, animal welfare, the environment, and LGBTQ+ communities.

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Her next big gig is to provide commentary for the ceremonial route of the Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey, as the service is televised live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Danielle Kate Wroe