After former US President Joe Biden was recently diagnosed with cancer, King Charles III wrote a personal note to the former US leader. The deed immediately sparked public criticism as many questioned the King’s priorities, even though the letter was intended as a gesture of compassion between two well-known international leaders who are both currently dealing with significant health issues.
Charles, 76, who is receiving treatment for cancer himself, wrote to Biden in private after hearing of his diagnosis, according to confirmation from Buckingham Palace. The choice to deliver the memo has sparked intense reactions, even though its contents were kept secret.
Recently, Biden, 82, received a diagnosis of severe prostate cancer that had spread to his bone. The former president and his family are currently reviewing treatment options, and despite the condition’s severity, physicians believe it is hormone-sensitive and controllable.
On X, Biden acknowledged the outpouring of support. “Cancer touches us all,” he wrote alongside a picture with his wife, Jill Biden, and their cat, Willow. “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.”
The two leaders had already met, notably during Biden’s time as vice president and during Charles’s tenure as Prince of Wales.
Following Charles’s cancer diagnosis in February 2024, Biden said he was worried and hoped to talk to him soon. Although the King was admitted to the hospital at first for having an enlarged prostate, palace sources subsequently explained that this was not the cause of his illness.
As the last US president Queen Elizabeth II met before her death and the first to formally interact with Charles following his accession, Biden’s relationship with Charles represents a larger transatlantic diplomatic relationship.
Meanwhile, several other prominent figures offered words of encouragement to Biden. Former President Barack Obama shared his support, remarking that he and Michelle were “thinking of the entire Biden family.” He added that he was “certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace,” and concluded by saying they were praying for a fast and full recovery.
Current President Donald Trump also released a statement on Truth Social, conveying that he and his wife, Melania Trump, were “saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis” and wishing him “a fast and successful recovery.”
However, other responses weren’t so favourable. The King’s note was greeted with scepticism and disdain on social media by the general people, especially UK netizens who appear to believe that domestic matters, such as public health crises, have been overlooked.
One person commented, “Why do you not reach out to your own people?” Another echoed the sentiment, “Needs to look at what’s happening to his country.” A third post questioned the King’s broader commitment, “Hey there, Charles…where’s your empathy/sympathy/support for everyone in the UK suffering from many cancers?”
The frustration continued, with one individual expressing, “He sends one to joe biden but ignores the hundreds of thousands in the uk dealing with the same problems! I’m shocked [sic].
Another added sarcastically, “Wow, we really needed to know this. We’ll all rest easy now.” A more critical voice declared, “Oh does he. SO WHAT. NOT NEWS JUST ANOTHER PROMOTION FOR THR FREE LOADING WINDSOR TRIBE. [sic]”
Some were moved by the leaders’ reciprocal support despite the criticism. “Quick recovery to him, may God have mercy on him” was the message of a kind post.
Another person remarked on the sensitivity of the diagnosis, “In school of medicine patient information is confidential how comes its in citizen tv news anyway? Quick recovery, sir. [sic]”
One viewer reflected on the shared humanity of the moment, “All I have to do is thank God , because these two men are the greatest we have in the world,and they are consoling each other because of this monster called cancer, who am I that God has spared from it?? [sic]”
Some individuals are now curious about the current US leader’s health as both public figures continue their respective fights with cancer. As previously noted, following the announcement of Biden’s diagnosis, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently gave reporters an update on Trump’s health.
Leavitt responded to certain queries regarding Trump and Biden’s conversations during a news briefing.
Following claims that doctors might have overlooked Biden’s ailment in its early stages, reporters then asked the White House medical team if the current president had any reservations about the quality of care.
Leavitt stated, “Not as far as President Trump is concerned. The White House physician we have here is phenomenal. The team of physicians that take care of the president, particularly at Walter Reed Medical Center, are great. The president had his physical recently, as you know, he had perfect results. He’s in very good shape.”
Leavitt added that Trump’s stamina had been on full display during recent official travel. “I think those of you who traveled to the Middle East with us last week could attest to the president’s endurance.”
“And by the way, I will add, we returned home from a very long and tiring trip last week, and on Saturday, where was the president? In the Oval Office, working all day. He doesn’t stop. He doesn’t quit. He’s in great health and he trusts his physicians,” she expressed.
Another reporter asked if President Trump had undergone prostate cancer screening as part of his physical exam. In response, Leavitt said, “To the best of my understanding, he is. But we can certainly check in with the White House physician and go back and look at that physical report.”
More details on President Trump’s health and the physical he had earlier this year have surfaced as concerns about his well-being continue to dominate the news.
Trump’s first yearly checkup since taking office took place at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre on April 11, 2025.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said, “Overall, I felt I was in very good shape. Good heart. A good soul. Very good soul. I took—I wanted to be a little different than Biden. I took a cognitive test. I don’t know what to tell you other than I got every answer right.”
A report sent by Captain Sean P. Barbabella, the White House physician, stated that the President’s evaluation comprised reviews from several specialists, standard diagnostics, and laboratory tests.
It verified that Trump’s physical and mental well-being are still good and addressed all significant systems. His physical systems, including the heart, lungs, neurological function, and metabolic markers, were found to be within normal and healthy levels, and his cognitive screening revealed full function.
The prostate screening revealed no cause for concern. His medical history stayed consistent, including routine skin issues, a history of COVID-19 infection, and well-managed cholesterol.
Trump, who at 78 is the oldest U.S. President to take office, shared on Truth Social shortly before the exam that he had “never felt better,” though he added, “These things must be done!” as reported by Time.
Subsequently, the White House verified that he was healthy and had received all recommended vaccines. He attributed his good health to his lifestyle, which includes regular travel, business obligations, and physical activities like golf.
The UK monarch’s own fight with illness provides as more evidence that health issues are a universal problem, as the world watches the health journeys of both the current and former US presidents, with the White House placing a strong emphasis on transparency in their medical care.
