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In a video message released this afternoon, the Princess of Wales has revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer.
The video was posted on social media at 2pm EDT, 6pm local time in London. It was taped yesterday by BBC Studios in Windsor and timed to be released after the Wales children began their Easter school break so the children could be sheltered and the family could be together for a period of time. “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.” More from this Telegraph piece.
“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.
The Princess said it had taken her and the Prince “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”.
The Princess also said, “We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment.” Below, the family on Christmas Day.
The Princess explains more about the timing of the diagnosis, saying that when she had surgery in January, it was believed her condition was non-cancerous, but the cancer was discovered during later testing. The Princess did not specify what kind of cancer she has but said she is now in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy treatment. She also shared some of what she told the Wales children.
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.
Below, the Prince, Princess, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis as the children arrived for their first day of school in September 2022.
We learn more about the King’s reaction to the news in this Daily Mirror story.
King Charles has publicly addressed his daughter-in-law’s cancer diagnosis as he revealed he is “so proud” of the Princess of Wales for her strength in going public with her shock cancer diagnosis.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Friday evening: “His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’. Following their time in hospital together, HM has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.’ Both Their Majesties ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.”
As most readers know, the King continues his own treatment for cancer. In the video, the Princess noted that she was also thinking of those “whose lives have been affected by cancer,” asking them not to lose faith or hope and saying, “You are not alone.”
James Middleton, the Princess’s brother, shared a supportive and poignant message on Instagram.
Richard Palmer of The Express offers this on the Princess’s schedule for the near future.
Kate, 42, says she is well. She is expected to return to public duties when her medical advisers think it right but her first public appearances may not signal a full time return immediately. The Wales family are not intending to go to church on Easter Sunday at Windsor.
Here is the full 2:20 video.
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024
Here is the full text of the message.
In a statement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Princess has shown “tremendous bravery” and has the “love and support of the whole country. ” Below is a message from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Charities the Princess has supported shared reactions on social media. Below, a message from Baby Basics.
This is from the Rugby Football League.
And a post by Wimbledon.
The Archbishop of Canterbury released a statement online.
Here is the address for anyone interested in sending “get well” wishes or other sentiments to the Princess. (Clarence House handles correspondence for the Prince and Princess of Wales.)
Should there be any significant news, I will add it to this post.
UPDATE: Here is a glance at some of tomorrow’s front pages.
And three more.
NOTE: The non-speculation policy for comments remains in place; please do not comment with ideas on the kind of cancer the Princess has or conjecture about her health.
