Following news of King Charles’s cancer diagnosis earlier today, world leaders have begun issuing statements sending their support and best wishes to the King. Here, a round-up of some of the earliest reactions:
Canadian Governor General Mary Simon:
“My husband, Whit, and I join with all Canadians in sending our best wishes to His Majesty The King as he begins cancer treatment.
“His Majesty has always led with passion and he has always endeavoured to inspire others to create a better world. Today, with this news, he once again is leading by example. So many Canadians are going through this battle. Two out of every five Canadians will be diagnosed with a type of cancer in their lifetime. Seeing His Majesty acknowledge cancer so openly and publicly will hopefully encourage and motivate those who are struggling with their own treatment. We admire The King’s strength and determination as he confronts this disease.
“To His Majesty and to the entire Royal Family, our thoughts are with you today and always.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
“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.”
Australian Governor-General David Hurley:
“On behalf of all Australians, I wish His Majesty The King well. All of our thoughts and best wishes are with His Majesty for a speedy recovery.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“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.
“All of us are thinking of him and his family in this very hard time.
“We wish him well for a speedy recovery.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon:
“Kia Kaha King Charles. On behalf of all Kiwis I wish His Majesty all the very best for a speedy recovery.”
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis:
“On behalf of the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, my wife, Ann, and I offer heartfelt prayers and good wishes for the swift recovery of His Majesty King Charles III.
“His Majesty’s openness in sharing his diagnosis of cancer is an inspiration, as it brings attention to a challenge faced by many around the world.
“We look forward to seeing the King swiftly return to full health.”
Wales’s First Minister Mark Drakeford:
“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.”
Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf:
“Can I send my thoughts and my prayers to His Majesty the King and wish him well for a full recovery and a return to public life.
“May I also send my best wishes and my thoughts with Her Majesty the Queen and all the members of the Royal Family who will be deeply worried at this time.
“I don’t think it matters if you are a member of the Royal Family or not, if a family member has cancer that is always going to be extremely worrying indeed so I want to send them my very best wishes, not just on behalf of myself personally but from the government I lead and on behalf of the entire nation.”
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill:
“I am very sorry to hear of King Charles’ illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment and a speedy recovery.”
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak:
“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.”
U.S. President Joe Biden:
“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.”
French President Emmanuel Macron:
“Wishing His Majesty King Charles III a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with the British people. Amitiés.”
Irish President Michael D. Higgins:
“President Higgins is very sorry and concerned to hear today’s statement regarding King Charles’ medical diagnosis.
“The President has sent his best wishes on behalf of the people of Ireland to the King for his treatment and full recovery, as well as to Queen Camilla and his family.”
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis:
“I am saddened to have heard about His Majesty The King’s diagnosis. I know that the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the Commonwealth will join me in wishing him a Refuah Sheleima – a complete and swift recovery.”
Head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols:
“I am saddened to learn that King Charles is now facing a time of treatment for cancer.
“On behalf of the entire Catholic Community in England and Wales, I offer His Majesty our warmest wishes and assurance of steadfast prayers for his full and speedy recovery. God bless the King.”
Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Zara Mohammed:
“I am saddened to hear about King Charles’ diagnosis and extend my heartfelt wishes for His Majesty’s strength and a swift recovery.”