Dear readers,
I know many of you are visiting the blog after absorbing the news the Princess of Wales is receiving treatment for cancer. I heard shortly after 5 pm a "major royal announcement" was imminent. Given the intensity of the online speculation circus that has unfolded in recent months, I thought perhaps, with George, Charlotte and Louis on their Easter holidays today, a message from the Princess may serve to calm the stormy waters of conspiracies that have dominated news in recent months. Another part of me contemplated the possibility of more serious news, and sadly it proved to be the latter. Addressing the public directly and speaking from the heart, Kate was filmed on Wednesday sitting on a bench in the garden surrounded by daffodils -- the national flowers of Wales.
The Princess shared:
'I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.
It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I've had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
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 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.
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.
We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. 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's understood it was especially important to Kate and William to share the news with the children before it reached the public domain. Several reports stressed throughout all of this Kate's first and constant priority has been George, Charlotte and Louis. "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."
When she mentioned their names in the video, it was an incredibly emotional moment. For any parent to break such news to three young children, with the added concern of various elements of the gossip mill making their way into the children's classrooms and causing them more worry, it is unbelievably tough. As you may have read, it's been widely reported staff at the London Clinic accessed Kate's private medical information, so it was likely felt for multiple reasons now was an opportune time to share the news. The Wales family will decamp to their country retreat, Anmer Hall, for the next three weeks with Kate continuing her treatment.
'William and Kate did not want Kate’s cancer to be in the public domain without first having told their children.
And no one can underestimate how hard that would have been.
It also took time for Kate and William to come to terms with the diagnosis, as well as time for her to recover from her other operation so she could start her “preventative chemotherapy”.
Kate started that cancer treatment at the end of February, several weeks after she left the private hospital, The London Clinic.'
It has been an utterly dreadful start to 2024 for the Royal family. The King continues to undergo treatment for cancer and in a statement this evening, said he is "so proud" of his daughter-in-law "for her courage in speaking as she did". Back in January when Charles and Kate were both admitted to the London Clinic, and His Majesty left via the back door, I suggested this was meticulously planned to shield Kate from the intensive interest in her health. Those days of privacy will have meant a great deal, especially in light of the uproar which we've seen day after day since. A Buckingham Palace source added: "The King has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks. Both the King and Queen will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time."
Kate will, of course, continue to be surrounded by the Middletons. Carole has been spotted at Windsor often, and tonight, the Princess' brother James shared on Instagram: "Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too."
"Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too" -James Middleton pic.twitter.com/0fOwW0ztNL
— HELLO! Canada (@HelloCanada) March 22, 2024
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his best wishes for the Princess and underscored a salient point which bears repeating: "She has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media." The feeding frenzy we've seen, not only fuelled by social media trolls and equally a number of media outlets, has been appalling. The ever-growing practice of using human beings, most often women, for clickbait and profit is both dangerous and shameful. As anyone who has battled cancer, or watched a loved one go through it, will tell you, it's a profoundly painful and impactful time on the entire family. There will be no Easter Sunday appearance nor will Kate be able to return to engagements for some time. It's my hope she will be given the time, privacy and respect to focus on her treatment and children. I know you'll all join me in wishing Kate the very best in the weeks and months ahead -- and the space, time and privacy she needs.