World leaders wish King Charles a 'speedy recovery' after cancer diagnosis

Politicians in New Zealand and around the world have responded with concern and words of support to the news that King Charles has cancer.  

The news came as a shock to many with world leaders quick to pass on their well wishes.  

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he wishes the King a "speedy recovery".   

"Kia Kaha King Charles. On behalf of all Kiwis I wish His Majesty all the very best for a speedy recovery," Luxon said in a statement on X.   

Opposition and Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he wishes the King the "very best" for his road to recovery.  

"I'm sure the thoughts of New Zealanders will be with King Charles," Hipkins told Newshub in a statement.   

"We all wish him the very best for the road ahead. Many, many New Zealanders will know someone whose life has been affected by cancer and I’m sure we all wish him well."   

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this is a "hard time" for the King but everyone in Australia is thinking of him. 

"Australians know that His Majesty King Charles has always reached out to us in our country's toughest moments, showing kindness and care for those doing it tough," Albanese said on X. 

"We wish him well for a speedy recovery." 

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he has "no doubts" the King will be back to full strength in no time.  

"Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery... I know the whole country will be wishing him well," Sunak said on X.  

UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Commons Speaker Sir Lyndsay Hoyle also wished the King a quick recovery.  

In America, US President Joe Biden told reporters in Las Vegas: "I am concerned about him" and that he planned to call him later. 

US President Joe Biden speaking in Las Vegas.
US President Joe Biden speaking in Las Vegas. Photo credit: Getty Images

The US State Department said his diagnosis was "incredibly sad news".   

"Our thoughts are with the King... and his family," spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.  

Former US President Donald Trump also reacted to the news saying King Charles was a "wonderful man".   

"He is a wonderful man who I got to know well during my presidency," Trump wrote on his social media site Truth Social.  

"We all pray that he has a fast and full recovery." 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his thoughts were with the King following the devastating news.  

"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," Trudeau said on X.   

"We're sending him our very best wishes – and hoping for a fast and full recovery."  

Buckingham Palace said the King had been diagnosed with cancer and began treatment on Monday (local time).   

The statement doesn't say what kind of cancer was found but Reuters reported a royal source confirmed it wasn't prostate cancer. 

The palace added the cancer was identified during the King's recent time in hospital to undergo a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate.   

"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," the statement said.   

"Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."