The Princess of Wales announces she has cancer and will be taking some time away from royal duties to receive treatment, in a video message which sent shockwaves around the world. The statement was one of the most personal ever released by the royal family, and saw Kate sitting on a bench in Windsor and discussing her health battles openly.
She 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.’
The focus for the Princess throughout her illness has appeared to be the wellbeing of her children. She spoke of her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, saying she had delayed making the news public for their sake. She detailed, ‘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 spirit. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.’ Meanwhile she said the couple were ‘ doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family’.
Prince William and Kate Middleton then retreated to their family home of Anmer Hall in Norfolk, where they spent Easter with their children. It is believed the Princess’s mother Carole even moved in with them in order to offer additional support.
Speaking to People magazine, an unnamed insider said, ‘William is prioritising giving her all the time she needs to get better and the support, particularly to the children.’ According to sources, the Prince has been ‘staying positive’ for his family, and relying on the ‘nuclear family unit’ of Kate’s supportive family; Carole, Michael, Pippa and James. Insiders went on to say Prince William has also developed a close bond with his father, who is also undergoing his own battle with cancer.
Experts spoke of how challenging the balance of their family life and royal duty has been, with royal expert Robert Jobson telling Hello! magazine, ‘It’s been tough on both of them, not least as parents, as they try to reconcile their children’s mental well-being with their seriousness of her diagnosis.’ He went on to explain that the couple, who will celebrate their wedding anniversary at the end of the month, have grown ‘closer’ amidst the health battle. He added their bond is now ‘unshakeable’, adding, ‘there is no question that William has been Catherine’s rock. He is the constant in her life and she is at the heart of his.’
He went on to explain that the cancer diagnosis was a ‘huge blow’ to William and Kate, but the Princess of Wales has been determined to ‘stick to a routine’ for the sake of their children.