By Madeline HalpertBBC News, New York5 February 2024Video caption, Watch: Biden discusses King Charles’s cancer diagnosisUS President Joe Biden expressed his concern about King Charles’s cancer diagnosis and stated his intention to speak to him soon. Speaking at a union event in Las Vegas on Monday, he revealed that he had “just heard his diagnosis” and conveyed his worry for the King’s well-being. He added, “But I’ll be talking to him God willing.”Buckingham Palace had previously announced that the King was receiving treatment for cancer and mentioned that he “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”.Later on Monday, Mr. Biden posted on X, saying: “Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage. Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery.”Joe Biden has personally dealt with the impact of cancer as his son, Beau, passed away from brain cancer at the age of 46. Additionally, his close friend, Republican Senator John McCain, also succumbed to cancer in 2018.The 75-year-old King will commence outpatient treatment and will temporarily halt his public engagements, but will continue fulfilling his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings.Upon hearing the news, the US State Department expressed its sadness regarding the King’s diagnosis. Spokesman Vedant Patel conveyed their thoughts, stating, “Our thoughts are with the King… and his family,” during a regular news briefing.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also extended well wishes to the King, expressing that Canadians nationwide were keeping him in their thoughts. He stated, “We’re sending him our very best wishes – and hoping for a fast and full recovery.”Former President Donald Trump described the King as a “wonderful man who I got to know well during my presidency”. He shared his prayers for a swift and complete recovery on his social media site, Truth Social.Meanwhile, Prince Harry, who resides in California with his wife Meghan Markle, is reportedly planning to travel to the UK to be with his father, according to information received by the BBC. The duke and duchess moved to the US after stepping back as senior royals in 2020.
