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King Charles III has spoken out on Princess Kate Middleton’s cancer revelation and ongoing battle.
“His Majesty is so proud of Catherine for her courage and speaking as she did. Following their time in hospital together, His Majesty has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks,” Charles said in a statement, per ABC News. “Both their Majesties will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family throughout this difficult time.”
The king’s remarks came shortly after Kate, 42, announced that she has been fighting cancer in private for months.
Kate Middleton and More Royals Who Were Diagnosed With Cancer
“Kate went in for abdominal surgery and then they found out she had cancer,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly on Friday, March 22, explaining that the family learned of Kate’s diagnosis the day Prince William canceled his appearance at the memorial service for his godfather King Constantine of Greece.
The insider noted that the royals “have been processing the information.”
Kate confirmed her cancer diagnosis on Friday via a video statement, revealing she is in the “early stages” of treatment. “This of course came as a huge shock,” she said. “I am well and getting stronger every day.”
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal)
March 22, 2024
Kate raised eyebrows in January after Kensington Palace announced that she underwent an abdominal procedure that would keep her away from public duties until Easter. The princess’ lack of transparency, however, caused some fans to think something more was going on.
When Kate and William, 41, released a photoshopped picture on U.K. Mother’s Day in March meant to ease the public’s concerns, it backfired. Despite facing backlash for the incident, Kate initially remained quiet about her health issues.
“They wanted to wait to tell the world the news until their children were off school for the Easter break so they could have time to process the news before the whole world was talking about,” the source told Us on Friday, revealing that the family “aren’t revealing what type of cancer it is.”
Princess Kate Through the Years: From Commoner to Future Queen Consort
News of Kate’s cancer diagnosis coincides with Charles’ own battle with the illness. Buckingham Palace revealed in January that while undergoing prostate surgery, doctors discovered cancer, which he began seeking treatment for the following month.
Royal reporter Omid Scobie reported in February that the king’s ailment was “not prostate cancer,” but the palace has not shared any further details.
“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days,” Charles said in a personal statement released by Buckingham Palace on February 10. “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”
Prince William and Princess Kate’s Relationship Timeline
The monarch has since returned to public duties and been seen on multiple occasions. Kate, however, has remained out of the public eye as much as possible.
After sparking multiple conspiracy theories about her whereabouts — and whether Kate’s recent sightings were actually the princess — Us confirmed on Thursday, March 21, that she’s quietly returned to work as she recovers.
Kate has been working from home on a project for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, with Kensington Palace telling Us, “The princess has been kept updated throughout the process.”
Kate Middleton cancer – latest: William’s response to Harry and Meghan’s support message was not ‘warm’
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received a cool response from Prince William following their text message of support in the wake of Kate’s cancer announcement, a royal author has said.
The message, which was “engineered by the palace“ with the two brothers still estranged, reportedly had the tone of “two wary diplomats”.
According to royal expert Tom Quinn, the Sussexes contacted the Prince and Princess of Wales following the diagnosis but didn’t include any suggestion that they “should make up and let bygones be bygones”.
He added that it was “hardly the kind of warm, informal response” one may have expected.
The revelation comes after it emerged the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not told about Kate’s cancer diagnosis in advance as they are no longer trusted by the family.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun he believed Harry and Meghan were not informed due to “endless problems” the pair have caused in recent years.
“The reason of course is that for some four years, they’ve caused endless problems for the Royal Family and so they can’t be trusted,” he said.
Key points
Prince William’s response to Harry was not ‘warm’
Sarah Ferguson has broken her silence as she praises Kate amid cancer diagnosis
‘Harry problem’ is ‘last thing on William’s mind’, sources say
Carole Middleton: ‘The crucial bond keeping Kate and William’s family together’
Piers Morgan hints Harry and Meghan story ‘leaked’
Kate Middleton conspiracy theories ‘fuelled by China, Russia and Iran’
14:40 , Holly Evans
The government is reportedly concerned that Britain’s adversaries are deliberately fuelling disinformation about the Princess of Wales to “destabilise the nation”.
Kate’s absence from the public eye following planned surgery in January became a source of online rumours, speculation and conspiracy theories until the princess revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer in a personal and moving video message.
However, unfounded conspiracies have continued to circulate about both the truthfulness of the princess’s announcement and cancer itself, with commentators online questioning the efficacy of chemotherapy or blaming Kate’s diagnosis on Covid-19 vaccines.
There are now growing concerns among Whitehall officials about the possible involvement of state adversaries like China, Russia and Iran in the rise of conspiracy theories on social media surrounding the princess’s health, The Telegraph reported.
Read the full article here:
Kate Middleton conspiracy theories ‘being fuelled by China, Russia and Iran’
Doctor explains what is preventative chemotherapy
14:10 , Holly Evans
Doctor explains what is preventative chemotherapy following Kate’s cancer diagnosis
Carole Middleton: The quiet driving force keeping Kate and William’s family together
13:40 , Holly Evans
Carole Middleton has been the crucial bond holding the Waleses together following Kate’s cancer diagnosis, a source close to the family has revealed.
The mother-of-three has been praised for playing a vital role behind the scenes for the Prince and Princess of Wales during what has been one of the royal family’s most turbulent periods in recent times.
A source close to the Middletons told The Independent: “Carole has been the driving force keeping the family together with minimum fuss and maximum modesty.
Read the full article from Tara Cobham here:
Carole Middleton: The force keeping Waleses together after Kate’s cancer diagnosis
William and Kate ‘not interested in drama’ of Harry visit amid cancer treatment
13:08 , Holly Evans
A friend of Prince William and Princess Kate has said the royal couple are not keen on the “drama” that a visit by Prince Harry would bring.
According to a report in the Daily Beast, the unidentified friend of the couple said they had been “clear they want peace and quiet… A visit from Harry, with all the drama that would bring, would be the opposite of that”.
Another friend of William and Kate was quoted as saying that “they have come to terms with the estrangement from Harry, and are content to let sleeping dogs lie”.
Read the full article here:
William and Kate ‘not interested in drama’ of Harry visit amid cancer treatment
King and Queen to appear at church on Easter Sunday
12:38 , Holly Evans
The King is to make his most significant public appearance since he was diagnosed with cancer when he attends church on Easter Sunday.
Charles, 75, will join the Queen and other members of the royal family at the annual Easter Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle this weekend.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will not be present.
The family are spending the Easter holidays together as they adjust to Kate’s cancer diagnosis.
King Charles was seen attending a church service in Sandringham in February (AFP via Getty Images)
Charles’s Easter Sunday engagement will be seen as the King making a move to reassure the public following the shock news.
The King is still undergoing treatment for cancer himself, but has been carrying out low-key official duties behind palace walls.
Although the Easter service is within the grounds of the castle, the King and Queen will be seen arriving, and are often watched by staff living at Windsor, who usually gather on a grassy bank nearby or watch from their doorsteps.
King Charles meets with community faith leaders at Buckingham Palace
12:18 , Holly Evans
King Charles has met with community faith leaders from across the UK who have taken part in a Windsor Leadership Trust programme during an engagement at Buckingham Palace.
Joined by trustee Vijaya Nath and Dame Martina Milburn, managing director of The Prince’s Trust, the group discussed encouraging and supporting dialogue, harmony and understanding at a time of heightened international tension.
Since revealing his own cancer diagnosis in February, the 75-year-old monarch has continued to carry out state affairs and smaller engagements, while taking a step back from public duties while he undergoes treatment.
King Charles met with community leaders as part of the Windsor Leadership Trust programme (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)
The King during an audience in the Billiard Room at Buckingham Palace (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)
Meghan Markle’s new California-inspired lifestyle brand explained
11:47 , Holly Evans
While William and Kate enjoy a quiet Easter break following the news of her cancer diagnosis, more details have emerged over Meghan Markle’s forthcoming lifestyle brand.
The Duchess of Sussex’s newest venture, American Riviera Orchard, hit the internet on 14 March, with many speculating it could be similar to Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness platform Goop.
It is expected to offer everything from cosmetics and beauty products, to cookbooks, stationery, jams, nut butters, and pet-related items.
Since leaving the royal family in 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry have relocated to California, where they continue their charity work through their organisation Archewell.
Read the full article here:
American Riviera Orchard: Meghan’s new California-inspired lifestyle brand explained
The Princess of Wales’ diagnosis makes me fear for the health of the monarchy
11:18 , Holly Evans
Forget the conspiracy theories that have been raging around the world. In one short, dignified video the Princess of Wales revealed just why she has taken time out from the public gaze. She spoke movingly and with dignity. Here ends the gossip.
It’s barely six weeks since we learned that the King, too, has cancer. Both are receiving treatment. Both speak with a degree of courage and optimism about their hopes for a full recovery. We all hope and pray they make one. But Kate’s announcement heightens the increasing sense of fragility about the institution of which she has become such an iconic member. Take two key members of the family out of action (four, if you include reduced participation from partners looking after them) and the whole operation begins to teeter a bit.
I’ve been quietly wondering about this for some time, but – even before Kate’s announcement – was jolted by the Daily Mail surrendering half its front page recently to a doom-laden warning: “If the royal family is not quite at the 11th hour, it is perilously close.”
Read the full article from Alan Rusbridger here:
Kate Middleton’s diagnosis makes me fear for the health of the monarchy itself
Martin Kemp posts message of support to Kate
11:10 , Holly Evans
The actor and DJ Martin Kemp has posted his well wishes to the Princess of Wales following her cancer diagnosis.
On Instagram, he shared a photograph of Kate with his family, with the caption: “Sending so much Kemp love to the Princess of Wales and all her Family”.
Kate had previously travelled to their family home in Herfordshire while working on the Shaping us campaign, and has filmed a video on mental wellbeing with Mr Kemp’s son Roman, a radio host and TV personality.
Kate’s diagnosis prompts surge in NHS and cancer charity website visits
10:45 , Holly Evans
The Princess of Wales’ brave decision to reveal her cancer diagnosis has prompted a huge surge in visits to cancer charity websites and the NHS.
In a video statement issued on Friday evening, Kate announced that she had begun preventative chemotherapy and told other cancer patients: “You are not alone.”
Following her announcement, visits to the NHS website’s cancer information page increased by nearly five-fold, while Macmillan and Cancer Reasearch UK also saw a huge surge in online traffic.
Read the full article here:
Kate’s diagnosis prompts surge in NHS and cancer charity website visits
What is preventative chemotherapy?
10:09 , Holly Evans
The Princess of Wales has announced in a statement that she has been diagnosed with cancer after an incidental finding following abdominal surgery.
Kate Middleton also said she was undergoing “preventative” chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is a term used to describe the treatment of someone diagnosed with cancer and is used to kill cancerous cells – although Kate specifically used the term preventative chemotherapy.
Read the full article from health correspondent Rebecca Thomas here:
What is preventative chemotherapy? Kate Middleton’s cancer treatment explained
Kim Kardashian under pressure to apologise for Kate Middleton joke
09:30 , Holly Evans
Kim Kardashian is being pressed to apologise and take down her “insensitive” post about Kate Middleton after the royal announced on Friday that she is battling cancer.
Kardashian, 43, was one of many public figures who piled on to speculation about why Kate has been absent from public life for months. The Princess of Wales had not appeared in public since Christmas Day before Buckingham Palace announced that she was undergoing planned abdominal surgery in January.
On 17 March, the reality starposted a photo of herself posing in front of a luxury car, while she was wearing leather pants and a black crop top. “On my way to go find Kate,” she captioned the post.
Read the full article:
Kim Kardashian under pressure to apologise for Kate Middleton joke
Prince William’s response to Harry was not ‘warm’
09:00 , Holly Evans
Prince William’s response to Prince Harry’s text message of support was not “the kind of warm, informal” response one would expect between brothers, a royal expert has claimed.
Royal author Tom Quinn told The Mirror: “Harry and Meghan have been in contact with William, but their private message was simply one of sympathy and didn’t include any suggestion the brothers should make up and let bygones be bygones or that Harry should fly back to the UK soon.
“There is just too much ill-feeling for that. William, who is still hurt by everything Harry has said in the past, has responded, but the response is very much engineered by the palace and it’s hardly the kind of warm, informal response you would expect from one brother to another.
“It’s more like the sort of communication you would get between two slightly wary diplomats.”
Relations between Princes Harry and William have been fraught for years (Getty Images)
The two couples have led a strained relationship since the Sussexes announced they would be stepping down as senior working royals in 2020. The couple went on to make a series of revelations about the royal family in an Oprah Winfrey interview and an autobiography.
Following Kate’s video statement which revealed her cancer diagnosis, the Sussexes said: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
Trisha Goddard issues Kate cancer privacy warning after own ‘horrific’ intrusion
08:46 , Holly Evans
Trisha Goddard issues Kate cancer privacy warning after own ‘horrific’ intrusion
Family of ‘Bowel Babe’ Deborah James offer message of support to Kate
08:26 , Holly Evans
The family of Dame Deborah James, the late cancer campaigner who became known as Bowel Babe, have said she would have been “so proud” of the Princess of Wales for speaking out about her diagnosis.
The former journalist raised £5m for Cancer Research after being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2016, five and a half years before her death in June 2022 at the age of 40.
Her parents Alistair and Heather James said: “Kate, William and their family are in our thoughts, and we send all our love from our family to theirs.
“Deborah would be so proud. The Princess of Wales has shown incredible courage in speaking out so publicly about her treatment.
“It takes huge bravery to do so, but her bravery will help millions of cancer patients and their families face this horrible disease.
Dame Deborah James with Prince William shortly before her death (PA)
“What’s more, in being so open and honest, Kate will undoubtedly encourage many more people who are living with potential symptoms of cancer, to seek medical help. In doing so, she will save lives.”
The couple added: “We know if Deborah were here to send Kate a message, she would tell the Princess of Wales to hold on to rebellious hope.
“Deborah was a firm believer in the power of hope, and given how many times she beat the odds to survive, rebellious hope became her mantra.
“We have no doubt her positive mindset helped her keep going, and gave us five years of precious memories together.”
Princess of Wales: Kate Middleton and her life throughout the years
06:00 , Alexander Butler
Everything you need to know about the Princess of Wales
Piers Morgan mocked after criticising people who shared Kate Middleton health conspiracies
05:00 , Alexander Butler
Piers Morgan mocked after criticising people who shared Kate health conspiracies
How Charles and Kate supported each other in hospital before both were diagnosed with cancer
04:00 , Alexander Butler
How Charles and Kate supported each other before both were diagnosed with cancer
Kate Middleton’s uncle Gary Goldsmith reveals six letter word he used when he first met William
03:00 , Alexander Butler
Kate Middleton’s uncle reveals six letter word he used when he first met William
Young girl who beat cancer in lockdown after support from Kate Middleton urges her to ‘fight like I did
02:00 , Alexander Butler
Young girl who beat cancer in lockdown after support from Kate urges her to fight
Kate Middleton’s brother shares moving message of support
01:00 , Alexander Butler
Kate Middleton’s brother’s shares moving childhood photo amid sister’s cancer news
I‘ve been revelling in Kate Middleton conspiracy theories. Now, I’m ashamed
Monday 25 March 2024 23:30 , Alexander Butler
I’m ashamed to have revelled in Kate Middleton conspiracy theories | Ryan Coogan
Blake Lively and Owen Jones among celebrities apologising for Kate Middleton conspiracy jokes
Monday 25 March 2024 22:30 , Alexander Butler
Blake Lively and Owen Jones apologise for Kate Middleton conspiracy jokes
As a cancer patient, here’s my advice to Kate Middleton
Monday 25 March 2024 21:30 , Alexander Butler
As a cancer patient, here’s my advice to Kate Middleton | Nina Lopes
The celebrities called to apologise over Kate Middleton conspiracy jokes
Monday 25 March 2024 20:30 , Alexander Butler
All of the celebrities who have apologised for Kate Middleton conspiracy jokes
‘The Princess of Wales holds a mirror up to our flawed reality and her own frailty’
Monday 25 March 2024 19:26 , Alexander Butler
‘Kate holds a mirror up to our flawed reality – and her own frailty’
Carole Middleton: The quiet driving force keeping Kate and William’s family together after cancer diagnosis
Monday 25 March 2024 18:12 , Tara Cobham
Carole Middleton: The force keeping Wales’s together after Kate’s cancer diagnosis
Kate Middleton conspiracy theories ‘fuelled by China, Russia and Iran’ after cancer diagnosis
Monday 25 March 2024 17:52 , Alexander Butler
Kate Middleton conspiracy theories ‘being fuelled by China, Russia and Iran’
Sarah Ferguson has broken her silence as she praises Kate amid cancer diagnosis
Monday 25 March 2024 17:01 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Sarah Ferguson said she is “full of admiration” for the Princess of Wales after Kate announced she was being treated for cancer, adding: “I hope she will now be given the time, space and privacy to heal.”
The Duchess of York posted on social media: “All my thoughts and prayers are with the Princess of Wales as she starts her treatment.
“I know she will be surrounded by the love of her family and everyone is praying for the best outcome.
“As someone who has faced their own battles with cancer in recent months, I am full of admiration for the way she has spoken publicly about her diagnosis and know it will do a tremendous amount of good to raise awareness.
“I hope she will now be given the time, space and privacy to heal.”
(AP)
Charity’s website traffic surges following news of Kate’s cancer diagnosis
Monday 25 March 2024 16:23 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Visits to a cancer support charity’s website have surged in the days following the news of the Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnosis.
Macmillan Cancer Support said traffic to its online information and support pages were the highest seen on a weekend since the first Covid-19 lockdown.
Between Friday evening – when Kate’s video message was released – and Sunday, there was close to 100,000 visits, 10% higher than this time last year.
Charity’s website traffic surges following news of Kate’s cancer diagnosis
‘Harry problem’ is ‘last thing on William’s mind’, sources say
Monday 25 March 2024 15:55 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Reconciling with Prince Harry is the last thing on the Prince of Wales’s mind, according to sources, as William navigates his royal duties with Kate’s cancer diagnosis.
A source told The Times that the couple, who lead a strained relationship with the Prince and Princess of Wales, were not informed in advance of Friday’s statement.
But sources close to the Wales’s said with both the King and Kate diagnosed with cancer, the “Harry problem” is the last thing on the young family’s mind, according to The Telegraph.
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
I‘ve been revelling in Kate Middleton conspiracy theories. Now, I’m ashamed
Monday 25 March 2024 15:42 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
If there’s a bright spot in this whole episode, it’s that it might encourage us to think twice before we go running our mouths about the next ‘big mystery’, Ryan Coogan writes:
“I’ve never been much of a royal watcher, but I’ll admit it: for the past three weeks I was scrutinising grainy photographs and plotting out globe-spanning conspiracies with the best of them.
“I spent hours scrolling through TikTok, credulously absorbing every fringe theory concocted by amateur Generation Z detectives that I could find – the more ludicrous, the better. Body doubles? Sure, that sounds plausible. Joined the circus? Why not. Replaced with a robot? You’d be amazed by what technology can do these days.”
I’m ashamed to have revelled in Kate Middleton conspiracy theories | Ryan Coogan
What is preventative chemotherapy? Kate Middleton’s cancer treatment explained
Monday 25 March 2024 14:48 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
When the Princess of Wales announced that she has been diagnosed with cancer, she said she was undergoing “preventative” chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is a term used to describe the treatment of someone diagnosed with cancer and is used to kill cancerous cells – although Kate specifically used the term preventative chemotherapy.
Read more about it here:
What is preventative chemotherapy? Kate Middleton’s cancer treatment explained
Inside Amner Hall: Kate and William’s retreat where they will focus on family during cancer fight
Monday 25 March 2024 14:25 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The family of five are believed to be retreating to Amner Hall in Norfolk, which was a wedding present to the Waleses from the Queen, to focus on their young family as the princess convalesces amid her cancer treatment.
The Georgian country house, which is part of the Sandringham Estate in the village of Anmer, is one of a number of properties that the Prince and Princess of Wales have at their disposal across England.
The young family relocated to Adelaide Cottage, a Grade II-listed four-bedroom house just a 10-minute walk from Windsor Castle, in autumn 2022.
Inside Amner Hall: Kate and William’s family retreat during cancer fight
What are the ‘silent cancers’ that don’t have any symptoms?
Monday 25 March 2024 13:52 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
With the Princess of Wales revealing that her cancer diagnosis was discovered after she underwent abdominal surgery, in this piece Anna Magee looks at the subtle symptoms of cancer that are often mistaken for other things.
She writes: “In fact, it’s not uncommon for people to go into hospital with a benign condition – and come out with a cancer diagnosis.
“That’s because some cancers present with vague symptoms that are often mistaken for getting older or the effects of everyday life – such as ongoing fatigue – and people don’t think to report them.”
What are the ‘silent cancers’ that don’t have any symptoms?
In Focus | ‘The Princess of Wales holds a mirror up to our flawed reality’
Monday 25 March 2024 13:33 , Alex Ross
From the dark place that is cancer, the Princess of Wales arrived at her own finest hour and chose strength over weakness.
After months of fevered speculation it felt more than we deserved, says Tessa Dunlop, who argues that the onus is now on us to think about the role we play in what happens next.
She writes: “Even republicans carved from granite could not fail to be moved. I sat with my own young family and tears rolled down our cheeks. When all around her had apparently lost their minds, Kate, not generally known for landmark oratory, gave the speech of her life.
“Pale but composed, her remarkable two-minute video held a mirror to the nation. In a display of humanity and frailty, she served as a reminder that pain has no hierarchy, and yet here was Kate, when faced with extreme adversity, opting for strength over weakness.”
‘Kate holds a mirror up to our flawed reality – and her own frailty’
‘As a cancer patient, here’s my advice to Kate Middleton’
Monday 25 March 2024 13:10 , Alex Ross
There is hope for those of us afflicted with this horrible disease, writes Nina Lopes.
“Receiving news like that can change your entire world. I knew it would change mine, but I was more concerned about how it would affect my daughter, Ilani. She was only six at the time – how are you supposed to tell a child that young that mummy is very, very sick?”
As a cancer patient, here’s my advice to Kate Middleton | Nina Lopes
‘Leaked’ story about Harry and Meghan reaching out to Kate
Monday 25 March 2024 12:36 , Alex Ross
Piers Morgan appears to have suggested that claims Prince Harry and Meghan “reached out” to Prince William and Kate Middleton were leaked.
Following the broadcast statement by the Princess of Wales on Friday, revealing she had received a cancer diagnosis, it was reported how people across the world had shown their support.
They included Harry and Meghan Markle who, after releasing a short statement on Friday night, apparently went a step further with the Duke of Sussex reaching out to his brother.
ITV’s royal editor Chris Ship said: “Prince Harry has reached out to his brother, Prince William after learning of Kate’s cancer. Harry and Meghan have both been in touch with their brother/sister-in-law but did so privately.”
The story was picked up by People, which also said it understood Harry and Meghan had reached out.
In response to the story on X, Piers Morgan said: “If it was done ‘privately’ then how do you know?”
Kate Middleton hailed as ‘remarkable’ by King Charles’ nephew
Monday 25 March 2024 12:04 , Alex Ross
“She’s remarkable in herself” – the words of King Charles’ nephew Peter Phillips about Kate Middleton in video interview released by Sky News Australia at the weekend.
Kate, on Friday, revealed the news she had been given a cancer diagnosis. She has since received messages of support from around the world.
The Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery in January, and found out after, through tests, that she had the unspecified cancer.
Speaking while in Australia to represent the International Foundation for Arts and Culture, Mr Phillips, who is the son of Princess Anne, said: “For her and for the King, the outpouring of support for both of them and the well wishes for both of them to recover quickly has been hugely heartening.
“She’s remarkable in herself – without a question, she and William make a fantastic team together.”
Watch a clip from his interview here:
‘Deborah would be so proud’
Monday 25 March 2024 11:26 , Alex Ross
The parents of Dame Deborah James, who died from bowel cancer, have praised Kate Middleton for her “bravery” in opening up about her battle with the disease.
Journalist Deborah, who was known as Bowelbabe, spoke openly about her five-and-a-half year battle against cancer, raising money and campaigning for awareness.
Her work saw her awarded with a damehood by Prince William at her parents’ home in Woking.
After Kate’s emotional statement on Friday, Deborah’s parents Heather and Alistair told The Sun : “Kate, William and their family are in our thoughts, and we send all our love from our family to theirs.
“Deborah would be so proud. The Princess of Wales has shown incredible courage in speaking out publicly about her treatment.
“It takes huge bravery to do so, but her bravery will help millions of cancer patients and their families face this horrible disease.”
Deborah James was awarded her damehood by Prince William (C4)
King Charles in ‘good spirits’ – but recovery taking ‘longer than he would want it to’
Monday 25 March 2024 11:09 , Alex Ross
King Charles’ nephew Peter Philips has spoken of his uncle’s recovery in an interview with Sky News Australia.
The son of the Princess Royal said the King was “frustrated” at the time of his recovery after his shock cancer diagnosis in February.
But he said he was in “good spirits” in the televised interview.
Mr Phillips, who was on a visit to Australia to represent the International Foundation for Arts and Culture, said: “I think ultimately he’s hugely frustrated.
“He’s frustrated that he can’t get on and do everything that he wants to be able to do.
“But he is very pragmatic, he understands that there’s a period of time that he really needs to focus on himself.
“But at the same time he is always pushing his staff and everybody – his doctors and nurses – to be able to say ‘actually can I do this, can I do that?’”
King Charles’ nephew Peter Philips spoke about his uncle during the interview (Sky News Australia/PA Wire)
Harry and Meghan
Monday 25 March 2024 10:08 , Alex Ross
After reportedly not finding out about Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis until her announcement on Friday, the couple released a statement in which they said “we wish health and healting for Kate and the family”.
The couple, who live in California, were apparently not trusted with the news before it was broken.
At the weekend, it was reported by ITV’s royal editor, Chris Ship, that Harry had reached out to his brother since Friday, although he said it was not clear if had been a phone or video call, or some messages of support.
Harry is expected to return to the UK in May for an Invictus Games event.
What next?
Monday 25 March 2024 09:35 , Alex Ross
In Kate Middleton’s announcement on Friday, she described how the past couple of months had been tough for the entire family, adding that the diagnosis had comed as a huge shock.
She said her and wIlliam were “doing everything” to manage the issue privately for th sake of their family.
The couple are reportedly to spend their children’s four-week Easter school break at Amner Hall before William goes back to public duties in April.
An aid said: “The family just want to go away for Easter, spend time together, the five of them, close off from the world and move on.”
‘Did we learn nothing from Diana’
Monday 25 March 2024 09:17 , Alex Ross
Strong piece in The Sunday Times yesterday from journalist Matthew Syed who wrote of the impact of the spread of “mad rumours” over Kate Middleton.
Fewer than half of the UK population are on X or TikTok, and only a small proportion create any content at all, he said.
So why are the algorithms giving voice to the “tiny group of idiots and bots” spurting our outrageous claims, he asked.
He argued that the mainstream media needed to gain a new handle on the digital world to stop the spread of such sensational content which leave society “stupider and crueller”.
Widespread condemnation over conspiracy theories
Monday 25 March 2024 09:06 , Alex Ross
As if most weren’t sick enough of the wild conspiracy theories that followed Kate Middleton since she’d been in hospital for abdominal surgery in January, over the weekend more emerged about Friday’s broadcast.
We’re not going to share the content of such wild claims, but they have led to widespread condemnation.
The Daily Mirror’s royal editor Russell Myers slammed the “cascade of conspiracy theories” that he said were created by people who have “absolutely no information”.
Matthew Syed, writing in the Sunday Times, said he couldn’t help contrasting the “quiet dignity” of Kate revealing her cancer diagnosis with the “lurid gossip of those who [have] taunted her”.
Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate, was concerned baseless claims were reaching “millions and millions of people.
She said: “What really, I think, annoyed me was seeing that she was then being revictimised by being blamed for not having come out immediately.”
A few things we learned over the weekend
Monday 25 March 2024 08:20 , Alex Ross
Friday’s late announcement by Kate Middleton led to a change in plan for all major newspapers editors planning the weekend’s editions, and it certainly felt, reading Sunday’s coverage, that many were still catching up with what had happened.
Here’s some of the key points we’ve picked out from yesterday’s newspapers:
The Sunday Times reported that Hary and Meghan were not informed in advance about Kate’s cancer diagnosis, and found out at the same time as the public.
The recorded announcement broadcast by Kate was composed herself with no input from her advisers.
The King Charles hopes to “ramp up” his royal activities in early summer, and plans to attend Easter service, as is tradition, this Sunday.
While in the London Clinic hospital in January, Kate and the King shared many “heart-to-heart” chats
Inside Amner Hall: Kate and William’s retreat where they will focus on family during cancer fight
Monday 25 March 2024 07:49 , Barney Davis
As Kate and her family take time away from the public eye during her treatment, we take a look at where the five will be finding sanctuary.
The five are believed to be retreating to Amner Hall in Norfolk, which was a wedding present to the Waleses from the Queen, to focus on their young family as the princess convalesces.
The Georgian country house, which is part of the Sandringham Estate in the village of Anmer, is one of a number of properties that the Prince and Princess of Wales have at their disposal across England.
The young family relocated to Adelaide Cottage, a Grade II-listed four-bedroom house just a 10-minute walk from Windsor Castle, in autumn 2022.
Tara Cobham reports:
Inside Amner Hall: Kate and William’s family retreat during cancer fight
Kate Middleton’s parents ‘perfect antidote’ and will rally around Princess of Wales- Expert
Monday 25 March 2024 07:34 , Barney Davis
Carole and Michael Middleton, Kate’s parents, will be rallying around their daughter forming the perfect antidote to the “pomp and pageantry” of the royal family after Kate’s shock cancer diagnosis, according to a royal expert.
Royal commentator and biographer Duncan Larcombe told the Mirror: “I think Carole and Michael will be supporting the family a lot. I think they were made aware of [the cancer] when Kate was made aware of it, and have played an important part in supporting the family since.
“William is very much like the adopted son to Carole and Michael Middleton – and he always has been.”
He added: “The Middletons are the perfect antidote really to the pomp and pageantry of the Royal Family, because they are quite an ordinary family unit, which will be important to help aid Kate’s recovery. I think what we will see now over the next coming weeks and months is William really focusing on the Middleton family and really being that adopted son.”
(Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire)
What is preventative chemotherapy? Kate Middleton’s cancer treatment explained
Monday 25 March 2024 07:12 , Barney Davis
The Princess of Wales has announced in a statement that she has been diagnosed with cancer after an incidental finding following abdominal surgery.
Kate Middleton also said she was undergoing “preventative” chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is a term used to describe the treatment of someone diagnosed with cancer and is used to kill cancerous cells – although Kate specifically used the term preventative chemotherapy.
Rebecca Thomas reports:
What is preventative chemotherapy? Kate Middleton’s cancer treatment explained
Kim Kardashian under pressure to apologise for Kate Middleton joke
Monday 25 March 2024 06:00 , Holly Evans
Kim Kardashian is being pressed to apologise and take down her “insensitive” post about Kate Middleton after the royal announced on Friday that she is battling cancer.
Kardashian, 43, was one of many public figures who piled on to speculation about why Kate has been absent from public life for months. The Princess of Wales had not appeared in public since Christmas Day before Buckingham Palace announced that she was undergoing planned abdominal surgery in January.
On 17 March, the reality starposted a photo of herself posing in front of a luxury car, while she was wearing leather pants and a black crop top. “On my way to go find Kate,” she captioned the post.
Read the full article here:
Kim Kardashian under pressure to apologise for Kate Middleton joke
Dame Joan Collins shares ‘great admiration’ for Princess of Wales
Monday 25 March 2024 05:00 , Holly Evans
Joan Collins shares ‘admiration’ for Princess of Wales following cancer diagnosis
Prince Harry and Meghan reportedly discovered Kate diagnosis on TV
Monday 25 March 2024 04:00 , Holly Evans
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly discovered Kate’s medical condition at the same time as the public, when it was announced on television.
A source told the Times: “It is understood that Kate’s cancer diagnosis was not shared in advance with Harry and Meghan.
“Several sources confirm that there were no such conversations and it is thought Harry found out about Kate’s diagnosis from television, at the same time as the public.”
Shortly after the Princess of Wales announced she had begun preventative chemotherapy treatment, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
Young girl who beat cancer in lockdown after support from Kate urges her to ‘fight like I did’
Monday 25 March 2024 03:00 , Holly Evans
A young cancer survivor who met the Princess of Wales while being treated for the disease has sent Kate an inspiring message of hope.
Kate met Mila Sneddon in 2021 after her story touched the princess. Now eight years old and in remission, Mila urged the princess: “You will be brave because I was and you will fight it like I did.”
Mila, from Stenhousemuir, near Falkirk in Scotland, met the future queen after her picture was included in Kate’s photography project during the coronavirus pandemic. She had come to symbolise isolation during lockdown after being pictured kissing the kitchen window in her home as her father stood outside.
Read the full article here:
Young girl who beat cancer in lockdown after support from Kate urges her to fight
King frustrated recovery taking ‘longer than he would want it to’, says nephew
Monday 25 March 2024 02:00 , Holly Evans
The King’s nephew Peter Phillips has said Charles is “frustrated” that his recovery is taking longer than “he would want it to”.
The son of the Princess Royal said the King was “in good spirits”, but was “pushing” his staff to be able to return to his duties after beginning treatment for cancer last month.
In a televised interview, Mr Phillips told Sky News Australia: “I think ultimately he’s hugely frustrated.
Read the full article here:
King frustrated recovery taking ‘longer than he would want it to’, says nephew
Online trolls still targeting Kate ‘for not revealing cancer diagnosis sooner’
Monday 25 March 2024 01:00 , Holly Evans
The Princess of Wales has been “revictimised” by online trolls, who have blamed her for not revealing her cancer diagnosis sooner, a leading social media expert has said.
On Friday evening, Kate released a pre-recorded video statement and told the public she had begun preventative chemotherapy treatment after cancer was discovered following her major abdominal surgery in January.
It came after weeks of speculation and conspiracy theories regarding her absence from public duties.
Read the full article here:
Online trolls still targeting Kate ‘for not revealing cancer diagnosis sooner’
Former royal spokerson said media speculation ‘worst I’ve ever seen’
Monday 25 March 2024 00:00 , Holly Evans
Paddy Harverson, who was previously the official spokesman of Kate and the Prince of Wales, was asked on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme where the responsibility for the pressure lay: social media or mainstream media.
“Well, it feeds off itself,” he said.
“It’s a sort of permanent doom loop. And it’s the worst I’ve ever seen.”
However, he said the royal family still would have done the announcement in the same way, even without the pressure.
(Jeff Overs/BBC/PA Wire)
“I’m absolutely convinced that if we hadn’t had all the madness and social media, if we hadn’t had the Mother’s Day photo mistake, they would have still done it like this,” he said of Kate’s video statement on Friday.
“They would have still waited till this last Friday when the schools are breaking up to make the announcement.”