Kate Middleton has been praised for her ‘poised and sincere’ delivery of her cancer diagnosis news, with a Royal expert saying it was ‘not easy’ for the shy Royal
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Princess Kate announces she is being treated for cancer
The impact of announcing her cancer diagnosis on video for all the world to see had on Kate Middleton has been revealed by a royal expert.
Royal biographer, journalist and Vanity Fair contributing editor Sally Bedell Smith was in awe of the Princess of Wales’ move, praising her and describing her as being “sincere, dignified, poised, and she was forthright” in her delivery of the news, in the video filmed by BBC Studios at Windsor Castle, on March 20.
Speaking to People magazine, Bedell Smith explained that Kate, 42, would have had to be brave to overcome her natural shyness to deliver the huge news on camera. It was a big step for the popular royal, and one that was likely not easy.
She told the publication: “She is naturally shy, and for her to do that took a lot.”
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The footage was released on March 22 and saw the Princess of Wales tell the world she was undergoing treatment for cancer that had been discovered in post-operative tests after she had abdominal surgery in January.
Princess Kate shared a very personal health update, showing her understanding for others who are also battling cancer. This reminded people of something the late Queen Elizabeth might have said.
Royal writer Bedell Smith added to the publication: “When she ended with ‘You are not alone,’ it sounded like something Queen Elizabeth would have said, It was very similar to what Queen Elizabeth said during Covid when she said, ‘We are all in this together’.
“She knew that many people reading or watching know someone who has cancer. She was aware of that. It was a way of comforting people about her condition and giving them courage. There was no sign of feeling sorry for herself. She showed honesty. She got the balance right.”
Not only was Kate said to have written every word of her announcement herself, but she also made the decision to appear on camera by herself, without her family or even husband Prince William, with her.
A friend previously said the speech was “all her”.
A friend of the Royal Family revealed that Kate wrote the speech by herself “very quickly”. Kate also thought a video message would be more reassuring than a written statement.
The friend told The Sunday Times: “It wasn’t really about the drama of the last few weeks, though obviously that has been upsetting. She felt she had to do it because of who she is. It was more that she knows she is a public figure and has a wider leadership responsibility.”
They added: “It was all her, she wrote every word of it, it came together very quickly.”
The friend’s news comes after Prince William and Kate thanked everyone for their support, love and sympathy the news. A spokesperson for the Prince and Princess of Wales said: “The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal ÂHighness’ message. They are extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time.”
The mum-of-three did not reveal what type of cancer she is suffering from, but confirmed she has begun a course of chemotherapy, which started in February. Kensington Palace said Kate continues to have a positive mindset about her recovery and is in good spirits.
During Kate’s video address, she revealed that her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, are aware of what is going on and that she and Prince William were keen to “reassure” them that she is okay. Kate also added that she is “well and getting stronger every day.”
