An unexpected show of support from a royal figure sparked a flood of criticism and introspection online.
Following former US President Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis, King Charles III wrote him a handwritten message. While the letter was intended as a gesture of kindness between two famous worldwide individuals who are both now dealing with major health issues, the deed sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the King’s intentions.
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Buckingham Palace stated that Charles, 76, who is now receiving cancer treatment, discreetly contacted Biden after learning of his diagnosis. Although the contents of the memo remained undisclosed, the decision to deliver it evoked significant emotions.
Recently, doctors diagnosed Biden, 82, with advanced prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. Despite the severity of the ailment, physicians believe it is hormone-sensitive and treatable, and the former president and his family are currently discussing treatment options.
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On X, Biden recognized the outpouring of support. “Cancer touches us all,” he said, accompanying a photo of his wife, Jill Biden, and their cat, Willow. “Jill and I, like so many of you, have discovered that we are most powerful at our darkest moments. Thank you for showing us love and support.”
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. pic.twitter.com/oSS1vGIiwU
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 19, 2025
The two leaders had met before, notably while Biden was vice president and Charles was Prince of Wales.
Biden voiced his concern following Charles’ cancer diagnosis in February 2024, saying he wanted to speak with him soon. While the king was first hospitalized for an enlarged prostate, palace sources later stressed that his ailment was not connected to the prostate.
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Biden’s friendship represents a larger transatlantic diplomatic rapport, since he was the final US president Queen Elizabeth II met before her death and the first to meet publicly with Charles upon his accession.
Meanwhile, some other notable personalities encouraged Biden. Former President Barack Obama expressed his support, saying he and Michelle were “thinking of the entire Biden family.” He said that he was “certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace” and that they were praying for a speedy and complete recovery.
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Current President Donald Trump also issued a comment on Truth Social, saying that he and his wife, Melania Trump, were “saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis” and wished him “a fast and successful recovery.”
However, not all reactions were positive. The King’s message was welcomed with suspicion and disdain on social media by members of the public, notably netizens in the United Kingdom, who appear to believe that domestic matters, such as public health crises, have been disregarded.
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One individual remarked, “Why do you not reach out to your people 🤔?” Another shared the idea, saying, “He needs to look at what’s happening to his country.” A third post questioned the King’s devotion: “Hey there, Charles…where’s your empathy/sympathy/support for everyone in the UK suffering from many cancers?”
The fury persisted, with one man stating, “He sends one to Joe Biden but ignores the hundreds of thousands in the UK dealing with the same problems!” I am astonished. 🥴. [sic]”
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Another remarked sarcastically, “Wow, we needed to know this. We can all rest easy now. A more critical voice said, “Oh, does he?” So what? NOT NEWS, JUST ANOTHER PROMOTION FOR THE FREE-LOADING WINDSOR TRIBE. [sic]”
Despite the criticism, the leaders’ mutual support moved several people to tears. A heartfelt message said, “Quick recovery to him; may God have mercy on him.”
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Another user commented on the sensitivity of the diagnosis, saying, “In the school of medicine, patient information is confidential; how come it’s in citizen television news? Quick recovery, sir.” [sic]”
One observer pondered on the common 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 to have been spared by God from cancer?🤔” [sic]”
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While both major personalities continue to battle cancer, some have expressed concern about the current US president’s health. As previously noted, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently spoke with reporters and offered an update on Trump’s health following the announcement of Biden’s illness.
During a news appearance, Leavitt responded to many queries concerning Trump and Biden’s correspondence.
Then, reporters questioned the White House medical staff and whether the current president was concerned about the quality of care after allegations surfaced that doctors may have missed the early stages of Biden’s health.
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Leavitt said, “This does not apply to President Trump.” The White House physician we have here is exceptional. The physicians who care for the president, notably those at Walter Reed Medical Center, are excellent. The president just got a physical, and as you know, the results were excellent”. He’s in excellent shape.”
Leavitt also noted that Trump’s stamina had been on entire show 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.”
“By the way, I will add that we returned home from a very long and tiring trip last week, and where was the president on Saturday?” I spend the entire day working in the Oval Office. He does not stop. He refuses to quit. “He’s in good health and trusts his doctors,” she stated.
Another reporter inquired whether President Trump had received prostate cancer screening as part of his physical examination. In response, Leavitt stated, “To the best of my knowledge, he is. But we can absolutely check up with the White House physician and review the physical report.”
As issues about presidential health continue to be raised, fresh details regarding Trump’s health and the physical he took earlier this year have emerged.
On April 11, 2025, Trump went to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for his first yearly physical since returning to office.
Speaking to reporters onboard Air Force One, he stated, “Overall, I thought I was in excellent form. Good heart. He had a kind and compassionate soul. He possesses a very pleasant soul. I took a cognitive exam because I wanted to distinguish myself from Biden. I took a cognitive exam. I don’t know what to tell you except that I got every answer correct.”
Captain Sean P. Barbabella, who is the White House physician, released a statement indicating that the President’s examination includes regular diagnostics, lab testing, and evaluations from various specialists.
It examined all key systems and determined that Trump’s physical and cognitive health were stable. His cognitive test revealed complete function, and his physical systems, including the heart, lungs, neurological function, and metabolic markers, were all found to be normal and healthy.
The prostate screening revealed no indicators of concern. His medical history, which included well-managed cholesterol, a previous COVID-19 infection, and regular skin issues, remained consistent.
Trump, who is the oldest U.S. president to enter office at 78, said on Truth Social just before the exam that he had “never felt better,” but added, “These things must be done!” according to Time.
The White House later verified that he had obtained a clean bill of health and that all required vaccines were up to date. His lifestyle, which includes frequent travel, business responsibilities, and physical activities like golf, was credited with keeping him in excellent health.
As the world watches the health journeys of previous and current US presidents, with the White House emphasizing transparency in their medical treatment, the UK monarch’s personal fight with illness confirms a worldwide truth: health issues are universal.