King writes to Biden after former US president reveals cancer diagnosis

The King has written privately to former US president Joe Biden after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, Buckingham Palace said

The monarch, who is undergoing his own treatment for an undisclosed cancer, hosted the 82-year-old for tea and talks at Windsor in July 2023.

Mr Biden was diagnosed on Friday, with tests revealing the cancer had spread to his bones.

The former US president posted an image of himself and his wife Jill on X on Monday and wrote: "Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support."

When the King was diagnosed with cancer at the start of 2024, Mr Biden was president and expressed his concern.

Mr Biden, who is six years older than the 76-year-old monarch, told reporters at the time: "I'm concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. I'll be talking to him, God willing."

He later tweeted: "Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage."

The King's private message comes after British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer".

"All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment," he added.

Meanwhile US President Donald Trump said he was "saddened" by the news, adding: "We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery."

Former US president Barack Obama said: "Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.

"Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery."

Read more: Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' form of prostate cancer

Mr Biden dropped out the 2024 presidential race against Mr Trump after a disastrous debate performance fuelled concerns around his age and fitness to serve.

Weeks after the debate he referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "President Putin" during a NATO summit - with the mistake the latest in a series of high-profile gaffes that many put down to his age.

When he dropped out of the race he endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.

Ms Harris wrote on X after Mr Biden's cancer diagnosis: "We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.

"Joe is a fighter - and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery."

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Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: "My friend Joe Biden's always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts."

Former first lady Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was "thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they've done so much to try to spare other families from".

Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was "sad news" and his family "will be joining the countless others who are praying" for Mr Biden.

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a "great American patriot" and said she was "praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery".

Mr Trump's secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media that he and his wife were "united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time".

Mr Biden's diagnosis came after he reported urinary symptoms, which led doctors to discover a nodule on his prostate.

Prostate cancer is assigned a Gleason score, which ranges from two to 10 and indicates how abnormal the cancer cells are when compared to healthy tissue under a microscope.

Mr Biden's office reported his score was nine, suggesting a highly aggressive form of the disease.

"While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management," a statement from Mr Biden's office read.

(c) Sky News 2025: King writes to Biden after former US president reveals cancer diagnosis