Trudeau speaks with King Charles for first time since monarch’s cancer diagnosis

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and King Charles spoke Wednesday for the first time since the King’s cancer diagnosis. 

The Royal Family said the King held an audience with the Canadian prime minister via video link. 

Trudeau posted on social media later in the day that it was “good to hear from King Charles III this morning.”

He said he “let His Majesty know that Canadians are keeping him in our thoughts as he undergoes cancer treatment.”

Buckingham Palace announced a month ago that the King was cancelling “public-facing duties” while undergoing treatment for an unspecified form of cancer.

Trudeau said he and the King “spoke about a number of national and global issues that matter to Canadians — and we’ll remain in contact.”

British media reported in December that the King and Queen Camilla were planning to visit Canada this May, though those reports were never confirmed.

The Canadian government said following news of the King’s diagnosis that it was not planning a royal tour.

King Charles has not visited Canada since he assumed the throne in September 2022, though he previously made 16 official visits to Canada as the Prince of Wales.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 6, 2024.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press