‘The Windsors are made of strong stuff’ – the world reacts to King’s cancer diagnosis

Well wishes have been sent to His Majesty, with newspaper saying ‘the world is standing by King Charles’

The King’s cancer diagnosis has splashed newspapers and websites across the world, with condolences sent from far-flung areas.
The news was announced by Buckingham Palace at 6pm on Monday, after the family, the Government, and leaders of the nations where the King is head of state were informed.
The King is said to be “wholly positive about his treatment”, and “looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”.
The 75-year-old has begun regular treatment for cancer after his diagnosis during his recent hospital stay for a procedure on an enlarged prostate.
An article in Germany’s Der Spiegel magazine showed its support for the King and discussed the King’s decision to disclose the illness publicly.
“On the one hand, it is understandable that the palace did not want to announce this, but it is likely to fuel speculation about the monarch’s health in the next few days,” it said. “The good news is the Windsors are generally made of strong stuff.”
The German tabloid newspaper, Bild, also showed its support as it carried the headline “The world is standing by King Charles”.
The King’s cancer diagnosis was front-page news in Spain with El País, El Mundo, ABC and La Razón all including the announcement in their opening pages.
In Italy, the leading daily Corriere della Sera has a photo of King Charles and Queen Camilla on its front page.
“Shock in the United Kingdom – King Charles has cancer,” the headline says. The paper says 2024 is shaping up to be another “annus horribilis” for the Royals, pointing to the operation undergone by the Princess of Wales recently and strained relations with Prince Harry.
La Repubblica also has a photo of the King on its front page, saying the revelation of a cancer diagnosis has left the British gripped with anxiety.
“Now William looks to the throne,” the daily newspaper says in a lengthy analysis. “If the clinical situation of Charles deteriorates, William is ready to take his place immediately.”
France’s Le Parisien displays the online headline: “Charles III suffering from a ‘form of cancer’: the announcement that gripped the United Kingdom and worried the whole world.”
“He had waited to be King for over 70 years. Seventeen months after acceding to the throne, the announcement of his illness has plunged the British monarchy into uncertainty,” it continues.
Stéphane Bern, France’s most famous royal commentator, told the daily: “This emotion proves one thing: that the monarchy is very popular and so is Charles III – much more than commentary would have you believe when he took the throne.”
He said he was “rather reassured” by the transparent communication regarding King Charles’s state. “I’m more taken aback by Kate’s medical problems and very long convalescence. It remains a mystery. For Charles III, things are said more clearly.”
Meanwhile, world leaders have sent their best wishes to the King.
Emmanuel Macron, the French president, took to X, formerly Twitter, to send “amitiés”. He said: “Wishing His Majesty King Charles III a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with the British people.”
Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister, said he hoped the King would have a “fast and full recovery”.
Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, said all Aussies were “thinking of him and his family in this very hard time”.
He added: “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.”
Christoper Luxon, New Zealand’s prime minister, shared his country’s support for the King in a post on social media. “Kia Kaha King Charles. On behalf of all Kiwis I wish His Majesty all the very best for a speedy recovery.”
Baroness Scotland of Asthal, secretary-general of the Commonwealth, said: “I want to wish His Majesty the King a full and speedy recovery. His Majesty and the Royal family remain in all our thoughts and prayers.”
Sir Patrick Allen, Jamaica’s governor-general, said: “On behalf of the people of Jamaica, we extend our unwavering support and heartfelt wishes for your swift recovery.” A referendum will be held there later to cut ties with the monarchy.
Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados, said. “It is with great sadness that I learned of the illness of His Majesty the King […] I wish him a full and speedy recovery and extend my best wishes to Queen Camilla and the rest of the Royal family.”
Miguel Díaz-Canel, Cuba’s president, said he sent “best wishes that [the King] completes a successful treatment and a speedy recovery”.
Joe Biden, the US president, said: “Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage.” He later told reporters he would give the King a phone call.
Donald Trump, the former US president, said the King is a “wonderful man” and that he was praying for his “fast and full recovery”.