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The Princess of Wales Reveals Her Cancer Diagnosis in Video Message, Says “I’m Going to be Okay”

The Princess of Wales Reveals Her Cancer Diagnosis in Video Message, Says “I’m Going to be Okay”

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. 

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.  

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Sue

Tuesday 2nd of April 2024

When I’m feeling overwhelmed and weary - at work, as a mother, as a wife - I’ve loved reading What Kate Wore as a reminder that somewhere out there, someone is doing hard work with grace and style. She’s such a lovely inspiration of service. I got diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago, and have been through many rounds of chemo since. Now I see she is going through the same thing - again, with grace. She’s such an inspiration and I hope this diagnosis, in some strange way, brings about good things for her life, even as it has for mine. Also, thank you for making such a lovely corner of the internet. This site and all the wonderful people who comment are a breath of fresh air. Thank you!

Virginia

Thursday 11th of April 2024

@Sue, you too are an inspiration, as you think of Catherine, while battling your own cancer during these busy years of your life. Wishing you a complete recovery and all the best this world offers. Also, agree with you that this page is a respite for many of us and so grateful that the author continues to post during Catherine’s recovery. Somehow these posts have more meaning and give us a chance to really appreciate her fashion choices and how they intertwine with her work throughout the years.

admin

Tuesday 2nd of April 2024

Thank you for your lovely comment, Sue. I know those reading your comment will be sending good thoughts, prayers, and cyber hugs, with hopes your treatment progresses successfully and your health improves.

Indie

Wednesday 27th of March 2024

I’d like to put a word of admiration for Catherine’s writing skills!

She didn’t drop her shocking news on us immediately - she began by thanking everyone for their kindness and support. She ignored the trolls entirely. This was masterful and spoke louder than any complaints would have, in my opinion. She took the high road, as others have said here.

Then a straightforward mention of her surgery, and it was only with “at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous” that we began to anticipate what was coming. As someone who lost a beloved sister to cancer recently, I truly, truly appreciated Catherine’s gentle, indirect approach - that extra second or two to brace myself. There’s no disguising bad news, but you can choose to how to relay it.

I also felt the tone of “… but for now I must focus on making a full recovery” was perfect. It was not pleading or annoyed. She is telling us what she needs to recover - politely but firmly.

And of course ending with the touching “you are not alone”. Well-crafted indeed. Brava Catherine.

admin

Thursday 28th of March 2024

I’m sorry to read about the loss of your sister, Indie. I can’t imagine how difficult that was and continues to be as you deal with the ongoing sense of loss. All good thoughts to you from the WKW community.

GwenP

Tuesday 26th of March 2024

I just want to give all the kind people here a ❤️ for renewing (well, kind of) my faith in humanity after the horrendous media circus of the past couple of weeks had made me feel very low. Wishing huge blessings for the Wales family.

And I love her brother’s post with all my heart. Thank you all and thank you Susan for creating this space.

Laurel

Tuesday 26th of March 2024

I too have sadness for Kate and her family and high hopes for her recovery. Everyone has been touched by cancer and can identify with how painful the news is. But, in keeping with the name of this site... do we know what Kate wore for her announcement?

Deliane

Wednesday 27th of March 2024

@Laurel, and Susan!

thanks for this post-- I was afraid of coming off as 'frivolous'! (screeeeeen/virtuality is wonderful but also-not! so hard to convey 'tone'..)

cannot get more universal/Classic than the much-loved Breton striped top! all cozycomfy in a warm, snuggly knit PLUS worn-in jeans.. plus a deep, side part--

world famous English garden, world famous English garden teak bench.. world famous Princess English rose!

admin

Wednesday 27th of March 2024

She wore her Erdem Lotus sweater.

Bonnie

Tuesday 26th of March 2024

This recent posting about Kate's illness has brought so many kind thoughts and shared stories. There is little to add, except for a few points that I thought readers would appreciate. They will further illustrate what a truly remarkable woman Kate is.

First of all, Kate's poignant video was in words that she wrote herself and it was filmed in one take. Also, on St. Patrick's Day, while she missed the tradition of handing out shamrocks, to her regiment, the Irish Guards, Kate put £2000 behind the bar to buy 700 pints Guinness for the soldiers. Seamus, the Irish wolfhound mascot, was sent a bone so he too could celebrate the day.

Deliane

Tuesday 26th of March 2024

@Bonnie, ! 700 pints and a bone for Seamus-- (700 huge smiles an a very waggy tail!) THIS is the kind of news story we need!!! thank you, Bonnie (-:

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