President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are reacting to the news of King Charles III's cancer diagnosis.
It is unclear what type of cancer the 75-year-old king has, but Buckingham Palace officials said it is not prostate cancer, although concerns were raised when the royal underwent a hospital procedure for a benign enlarged prostate. Since then he has started regular treatments related to his diagnosis.
The King last met Biden, 81, at Windsor Castle in July for the first time since his coronation. The couple reportedly discussed their efforts to address climate change.
While speaking to reporters in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Monday at a union event following news of the king's diagnosis, Biden said: “I'm worried about him…I just heard his diagnosis. But I will talk to him if God wants.”
Meanwhile, Trump, who reportedly had a good working relationship with the king during parts of his administration, said: “King Charles has cancer. He is a wonderful man, whom I got to know well during my presidency, and we all pray that he makes a quick and complete recovery.”
The former president posted the message on his social media platform Truth Social.
King Charles III, right, and Joe Biden arrive to meet participants at the Climate Finance Mobilization forum in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, England, in July 2023.
(AP)
The King has postponed his public duties, but will continue to deal with state affairs and official procedures.
“He remains entirely positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duties as soon as possible,” a statement from Buckingham Palace read.
“Her Majesty has decided to share her diagnosis to avoid speculation and in the hope that it can help public understanding of all those around the world affected by cancer.”
Vedant Patel, a spokesman for the US State Department, said during a daily briefing on Monday that the announcement of King's diagnosis was “incredibly sad news.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined the chorus of well wishes on Monday.
“I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes cancer treatment,” Trudeau wrote on social media. “We send him our best wishes and hope for a quick and complete recovery.”
Netanyahu said: “Sara and I send our sincere wishes to King Charles III and our prayers for his good health.”
