In a heartfelt video that shocked the globe, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, revealed her ongoing battle with cancer. As heartbreaking as it was, Kate has had immense support from the public and her close family and friends.
Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton in London in 2016 | Source: Getty Images
After the world worried about her well-being, Kate recently addressed her public absence and ongoing health speculations. It was initially reported that she had undergone abdominal surgery. But after several conspiracies brewed about where she could be, or what could have happened to her, she released a video to clarify her situation.
Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton in the video revealing her cancer diagnosis in 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/princeandprincessofwales
She disclosed that she had been diagnosed with cancer. While specifics about the type of cancer remain undisclosed, she shared that she has started “preventative chemotherapy” and is currently navigating the “early stages of that treatment.” Kate described the diagnosis as a “huge shock” to herself and her family.
Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton in the video revealing her cancer diagnosis in 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/princeandprincessofwales
In the video, Kate also highlighted why she kept her diagnosis private. She said she needed time to heal from her previous surgery, but she also wanted to make sure her children understood what was happening. She reiterated, “It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte, and Louie in a way that’s appropriate for them and to reassure them that I’m going to be OK.”
Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton at the Coronation of King Charles III in London in 2023 | Source: Getty Images
While this has been difficult for her, Kate has received support from her friends and family. King Charles III, who is also dealing with his cancer diagnosis, has been especially supportive.
King Charles III kissing the Princess of Wales at the “”No Time To Die” World Premiere ” in London in 2021 | Source: Getty Images
A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace shared that King Charles is very proud of Kate for her bravery. The King has stayed in close touch with Kate and has been a constant source of support. The spokesperson added, “Both King Charles and the Queen will keep supporting the whole family through this hard time.”
King Charles III, Prince William and the Princess of Wales, Kate in Scotland in 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Prince William has also been by her side and juggling his royal duties. He has been engaging with many people who are concerned about his wife. During one of his public appearances, where many asked how Kate and the children were holding up, he said, “We are all doing well, thank you.”
When Queen Camilla was also out for her royal engagements, she met two girls who made posters for Kate. Queen Camilla was touched at the love Kate was receiving, and assured everyone, saying “‘I know that Catherine is thrilled by all the kind wishes and support.”
Kate has had the world and those close to her concerned. But another person who has spoken about Kate’s challenging situation is Amaia Arrieta. She is a close friend of the family and their preferred designer. Amaia once reflected on her relationship with the royal family. She said, “Dressing the royals gives me so much pride, I really do care about how they look.”
The Princess of Wales leaving Kensington Palace in 2018 | Source: Getty Images
However, the designer was distraught when she found out about Kate’s health condition. She could not wrap her head around how difficult it must be for the family. “I’m heartbroken at the moment, I think they are going through hell, I hope they will be back. It’s really personal,” she expressed.
Princess of Wales at the Coventry Cathedral, in Coventry in 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Kate’s maternal uncle, Gary Goldsmith, also spoke about her health condition. He praised her for how she handled the difficult situation. He revealed that he only came to know about Kate’s cancer diagnosis, a few hours before it was made public.
Gary Goldsmith at Pippa Middleton’s wedding in Englefield Green in 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Gary admired her resilience in facing health challenges and explaining everything to her children and the world. “She has done phenomenally, she has managed it wonderfully, she has been honest and transparent and it seems that she is recovering and it is all preventive,” said Gary.
Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton in London in 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Gary added that he had not spoken to Kate since discovering the diagnosis because he wanted to respect the family’s privacy as they dealt with the heartbreaking news internally.
Pippa Middleton at the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in London in 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Kate’s siblings, James and Pippa, may not appear publicly with her, but they support her behind the scenes. Royal expert Katie Nicholl noted that after marrying Prince William, Kate promised her family that she would never neglect them.
James Middleton at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding at Windsor Castle in 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Her brother expressed his heartfelt support with a childhood photo of them with a mountain in the background. It symbolized the challenges they have faced together. He accompanied the picture with a touching caption, “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.”
Most importantly, Kate has had the unwavering support of her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. Katie revealed that the Princess of Wales has been leaning on her parents since revealing her cancer diagnosis.
Michael Middleton and Carole Middleton at the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in London in 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Understandably, the diagnosis was tough for Carole and Michael to deal with. But Nicholl said they are most likely holding on to the silver lining of the cancer being discovered in the early stages.
Michael Middleton and Carole Middleton at the Wimbledon Championships in London in 2015 | Source: Getty Images
The royal expert continued to reassure, “Carol and Michael, they’ve always been an incredibly strong couple and also very down to earth… what they’ll be doing right now is they’ll be coming together and supporting her—not just William and Kate, [but] their grandchildren, too.”
Carole and Michael Middleton leaving the St Mary’s Hospital after the Princess of Wales had just given birth in 2013 | Source: Getty Images
William and Kate haven’t been seen with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during this time. However, they still showed support after Kate shared her emotional journey with cancer treatment.
Prince Harry and the Princess of Wales at Buckingham Palace in 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Harry and Meghan released a statement expressing their well-wishes for Kate Middleton. “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” they said.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and the Princess of Wales, Kate at Buckingham Palace in 2018 | Source: Getty Images
The last time Harry and Meghan were seen out in public with Kate and Prince William was during a surprise walkabout in Windsor. This was after Queen Elizabeth’s death back in September 2022.
Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales with Prince Harry and Meghan in Windsor in 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Before the revelations about Kate’s health, a source noted that Harry and Meghan did not know about her surgery and recovery. “There is clearly no trust,” the source explained. Prince Harry also recently traveled to the UK after King Charles announced his cancer diagnosis. But during his short stay in England, Harry did not meet up with his brother and sister-in-law.
As shocking as this has been for the Royal family, there is no doubt that the Princess of Wales has the best doctors taking care of her and King Charles. But most importantly, Kate is fortunate to have a tight-knit family and her friends in her corner.
