Cancer-stricken King Charles writes to Joe Biden after ex-president's diagnosis

Britain's King Charles has written privately to Joe Biden following the news of the former US president's cancer diagnosis, according to a statement.

King Charles was also diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer last year and the monarch still continues to receive treatment.  

The monarch's  cancer diagnosis was announced by Buckingham Palace in February 2024, after he had been treated for benign prostate enlargement.

In July 2023, the then president Biden met with King Charles at Windsor Castle, where they discussed the strong relationship between the US and the UK, as well as climate change initiatives. 

Biden also attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II who died in 2022 at the age of 96, showing respect for the British monarchy.

The former president's office said on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.

The statement said that 82-year-old former president  was diagnosed on Friday after experiencing urinary symptoms, and he and his family are reviewing treatment options with doctors.

"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," Biden said in an X post early on Monday.

Cancers that have spread, or metastasized, are considered Stage 4, the most advanced. Most prostate cancers are detected at an earlier stage.

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

Biden's physical health and mental acuity drew scrutiny during his 2021-2025 presidency. He abruptly ended his bid for reelection last July, weeks after a halting performance during a debate against Republican Donald Trump prompted panic among his fellow Democrats.