Royal fans, friends and family of the Prince and Princess of Wales have sent their well wishes and words of encouragement following Kate’s shock cancer diagnosis
The Princess of Wales has been met with a huge outpouring of support after she bravely delivered the news of her cancer diagnosis in an emotional video to the public last night.
In the clip, Kate, 42, spoke about the “huge shock” after tests found that cancer was present in her system following a planned abdominal surgery in January. She referenced the “incredibly tough couple of months” her family have experienced, as her voice trembled with emotion at times during the footage.
The King, who was also diagnosed with cancer last month, is said to be “proud” of his “beloved” daughter-in-law for her “courage” in speaking about her treatment, remaining in close contact over the last few weeks. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent their well wishes and words of support to the Princess, saying: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
While the form of cancer has not been revealed, Kate says she has undergone “preventative chemotherapy” and remains in good spirits, describing herself as “well and getting stronger every day”. Both her and William have prioritised their children, taking the time to sensitively share the news with Prince George, 10, Prince Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
King Charles, who has been battling the same disease since early February spoke of the Princess’ courage. Buckingham Palace said: “His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’. Following their time in hospital together, HM has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.’ Both Their Majesties ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Kate “has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today. In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media. When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”
On Friday evening, hashtags including “WeLoveYouCatherine” and “GetWellSoonCatherine” trended on X, while celebrities and cancer survivors shared their words of support. Speaking about her diagnonis, the princess said: “This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this has taken time.”
She added: “It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK. As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”
Kate’s brother James Middleton took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message to the princess, writing: “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too,” ending with a mountain and heart emoji. Paula Hudgell, mother of Tony Hudgell who was diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago and met Kate at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital in December, sent the princess her prayers, advising her to “take each day as it comes”.
Kate says she will be taking a break to focus on recovery, and finished off her video message with an encouraging message to others battling cancer. She said: “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery. At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
