‘Concerned’: World leaders reacts to King Charles’ cancer diagnosis

Former US President Donald Trump, British PM Rishi Sunak and Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau have reacted to King Charles’ shock cancer diagnosis.

World leaders react to King Charles' diagnosis. Picture: Getty/AFP

World leaders have expressed their concern and well wishes for King Charles following news of his shock cancer diagnosis.

The King was diagnosed with cancer after undergoing a medical procedure for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace confirmed.

The type of cancer has not been revealed but it’s been confirmed it is not prostate cancer.

“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” Buckingham Palace wrote in the statement.

“Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”

The King has commenced a schedule of regular treatments and has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties temporality. However, he will still “continue to fulfil state obligations and official paperwork”.

Reacting to the news, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said all of Britain would be wishing the King well.

“Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery,” Mr Sunak wrote on X.

“I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.”

Former UK Prime Minster Boris Johnson also expressed his well wishes on social media, writing: “The whole country will be rooting for the King today”

Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery.

I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well. https://t.co/W4qe806gmv

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 5, 2024

The whole country will be rooting for the King today. Best wishes to Charles III for a full and speedy recovery. https://t.co/A5AP8rXLXY

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 5, 2024

Meanwhile, British presenter Piers Morgan shared a picture of King Charles and Camilla at the King’s first public outing since his prostate treatment, writing: “Long live the King!”

Long live the King! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZP6qgQTq1o

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 5, 2024

In the US, President Joe Biden expressed his “concerned” for the King following the shock diagnosis.

“Yes, I’m concerned about him,” Biden told reporters.

“I just heard his diagnosis. Hopefully, I’ll be talking to him soon.”

Former President Donald Trump wished the King a speedy recovery, describing him as a “wonderful man”.

“He is a wonderful man, who I got to know well during my presidency, and we all pray that he has a fast and full recovery!” Trump wrote on social media.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed his well wishes, sharing Canadians are “thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer”.

“We’re sending him our very best wishes – and hoping for a fast and full recovery.”

I, like Canadians across the country and people around the world, am thinking of His Majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer. We’re sending him our very best wishes – and hoping for a fast and full recovery.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 5, 2024

Other world leaders including Scotland's First Minishter Humza Yousaf, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has also taken to social media following the news.

I am very sorry to hear of King Charles illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment and a full and speedy recovery.

— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) February 5, 2024

I’m saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges.

My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening.

I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery. Gwellhad buan. https://t.co/01uj2CXxtJ

— Mark Drakeford (@PrifWeinidog) February 5, 2024