Joe Biden Comments on King Charles' Cancer Diagnosis: 'I'm Concerned About Him'

Biden told reporters on Monday that he had not spoken to the 75-year-old British monarch since his diagnosis was revealed

President Joe Biden expressed concern for King Charles in the wake of Buckingham Palace's announcement on Monday that the King, 75, has cancer.

"I'm concerned about him," Biden, 81, told reporters shortly after the announcement was made. "Just heard his diagnosis."

Biden noted that he had not yet spoken to the British monarch about the diagnosis, adding, "But I'll be talking to him, God willing."

Related: A Complete Timeline of King Charles' Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

After undergoing a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate last month, Buckingham Palace revealed the King's diagnosis on Monday, saying: "During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer."

The statement continued: "His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."

"The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible," the statement added. "His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."

Related: Will Prince William Step In for King Charles Following Monarch's Cancer Diagnosis?

PEOPLE understands King Charles told his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, about the diagnosis himself. A source says William, 41, is in regular contact with his father while Harry, 39, who relocated to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020, is expected to travel to the U.K. in the coming days

The King also personally informed his siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, before the news was made public.

Related: King Charles Welcomes President Joe Biden to Windsor Castle for First Formal Meeting of Royal Reign

Last July, the King welcomed Biden to Windsor Castle, a moment that marked Charles’ first formal meeting with a U.S. president during his royal reign.

Though the trip did not mark a full-blown state visit, it allowed the two heads of state to discuss a matter close to both their hearts — climate change, as part of the Climate Finance Mobilisation Forum.

Biden and King Charles have met a number of times in recent years, from a 2015 meeting in the Oval Office of the White House with then-President Barack Obama and Queen Camilla (who was then known as the Duchess of Cornwall) to the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021.

Related: Who Is the Next Heir to the Throne? See the Complete British Line of Succession

Earlier that year, Biden and his wife met with Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle in June just a few months after he took office. Biden would be the 13th and final American president Queen Elizabeth met during her historic reign.

The president and first lady represented the U.S. at her state funeral in September 2022.

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