Princess Kate’s emotional video revealing what had been going on for the last few months included a symbol of hope and new beginnings – which is closely aligned with cancer
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Princess Kate announces she is being treated for cancer
When The Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis on Friday night, it was delivered in an emotional video that sent shockwaves around the world.
Sitting on a park bench in the gardens at Windsor, the royal admitted her ‘shock’ at the news, and revealed how she’d explained it to her three children.
The decision to film outside was possibly a poignant one for the mum-of-three – with Spring in full bloom, it wiped out any further conspiracy theories on when the media was produced, but it also featured a meaningful symbol – a field of daffodils, a flower that has become a symbol of hope for people with cancer.
The Marie Curie website describes how the flowers are “strong and resilient’ and are seen as ‘a symbol of spring and symbolise new beginnings and rebirth. They’re a positive, life-affirming symbol, with a bright and joyful yellow.’
The daffodil was adopted by Marie Curie in 1986 and is now at the heart of one of its most successful fundraisers, the annual Great Daffodil Appeal.
“Daffodils in bloom are one of the first signs of spring. They’re strong, resilient flowers that pop up year after year and they’re a symbol of new beginnings. Their bright yellow colour brings hope for brighter days ahead,” says Lily Whitlam, Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager. “The Marie Curie daffodil unites us in our wish for better end of life care for all.”
In an emotional video message, Kate spoke about the “huge shock” after tests identified cancer following her abdominal surgery and the “incredibly tough couple of months” her family have experienced, with her voice cracking with emotion at times during the footage.
The form of cancer has not been disclosed but the future Queen began a course of “preventative chemotherapy” late in February, and is said to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as “well and getting stronger every day”.
William and Kate have focused on their children, taking the time to sensitively share the state of the princess’s health with Prince George, Prince Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Speaking in the video message recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, the princess said: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.
“The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
“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.”
It is understood the video was released on the day William and Kate’s three children began their Easter school holidays, to take advantage of the break to shield them from coverage of their mother’s health.
Kate, who is casually dressed in the video and sitting on a bench, 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.”
Charles has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early February after he was treated for an enlarged prostate at the same hospital where Kate had surgery.
Kate’s brother James Middleton posted a message of support for his sibling on Instagram: “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.
Kate ended her video message by saying: “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.”
It is not known how long Kate will be receiving treatment but it is understood she may be keen to attend events as and when she feels able to, in line with medical advice, although this will not indicate a return to full-time duties.
William will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since her operation.
The prince is due to return to public duties after his children return to school following the Easter break, but the Waleses will not be joining other royals for the traditional Easter service at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel.
