In an act of courage and transparency, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, moved the world by revealing her cancer diagnosis in a personal and emotional video.
The two-minute, twenty-second message, which was posted on Kensington Palace’s social media pages on Friday, March 22, showed a visibly shaken Kate Middleton.
The princess appeared casually dressed in jeans and a sailor-striped knit sweater.
In her speech, the princess asked for understanding and privacy as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time it was thought that my condition was not cancerous,” Princess Kate said in the video.
“The operation was successful. However, post-operative tests revealed that cancer was present. My medical team therefore advised me to undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of this treatment.”
Kate called the news a “huge shock” and said that she and Prince William “have done everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.
Kate Middleton’s cancer message
Prince William’s absence at this important announcement raised questions among the public and the press.
A few days later, The Times revealed that it was the princess herself who decided to write and deliver her message alone, a decision that reflects her well-known inner strength.
The British tabloid reported that it was deemed appropriate for Kate to deliver the message to the public alone.
A royal source consulted by the British newspaper said those who work closely with the Princess often speak of her inner strength and I think her video message is a great example of that.
The video, recorded by the BBC in Windsor on March 20, followed Middleton’s precise instructions.
The Princess of Wales personally chose the content and release date to minimize the media impact on her children during the Easter holidays.
Middleton’s decision to speak directly to the public was interpreted as an effort to avoid misunderstanding and speculation, and as a way to control the narrative surrounding her health and marriage.
Despite not being physically present, Prince William has been consistently and discreetly supportive, as evidenced by his daily secret visit to the London Clinic and his cancellation of official engagements following the news of his wife’s illness.
This gesture by the Princess of Wales not only served the purpose of clarifying rumors and speculation, but also demonstrated the effectiveness of direct and sincere communication, following the example of her father-in-law, King Charles III.
Kate Middleton’s determination to share her struggle openly and on her own terms has been met with admiration and support from the public.
Support messages for Kate Middleton
Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, also reacted to the news of Princess Kate’s cancer.
“Incredible poise and strength,” the ninth Earl Spencer, uncle of Princes William wrote in an Instagram post alongside a screenshot of the video Kate shared on social media.
Charles was not the only one of Kate’s close relatives to show his support.
Kate’s younger brother, James Middleton, also shared an emotional message of support by posting a never-before-seen photo on Instagram.
“Over the years we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you!”
On Friday, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry also shared their support for their sister-in-law in a statement.