The British royal family is expected to maintain a certain level of visibility due to the nature of their roles. However, even royals need and deserve privacy in some areas of life, including details of their health and well-being. Because of the media frenzy surrounding Kate Middleton following her planned abdominal surgery in mid-January, she was practically forced to divulge a major health diagnosis earlier than she might have preferred.
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In the wake of the Princess of Wales revealing her cancer diagnosis, folks from across the world have sent well-wishes. Family members have also posted words of support on social media. However, some of Kate's closest friends were reportedly left in the dark about her cancer until she publicly announced the news.
Kate announced the cancer news in a video shared on social media.
On March 22, Kate announced she had cancer in a video message. She explained that initially, her medical team thought her condition was noncancerous. However, more testing after her planned abdominal surgery showed that cancer was 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,” Kate said in the clip shared on social media. “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.”
Some of Kate's close friends didn't know about her diagnosis.
Evidently, some of the people closest to Kate were unaware of her cancer until after she publicly announced the news. "It was a heck of a shock," one close friend told People. Meanwhile, a former palace aide told the publication: "The circle of knowledge was very tight."
Her brother James posted a touching tribute in the wake of her cancer news.
The same day of Kate's announcement, her younger brother, James Middleton, took to Instagram with a sweet shoutout. "Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together," he wrote alongside a throwback photo of himself and Kate as children. "As a family, we will climb this one with you too ⛰️❤️."
Royal fans reacted to his message.
In the comments, Instagram users praised James for his touching message.
One person wrote: "❤️❤️. Catherine is very lucky to have such a wonderful supportive family. All of us in the royal watcher community are praying for your sister and the whole family. ❤❤."
Another royal fan commented, "Awwee this is the cutest! I wish Catherine, you and the entire family all the best. ."
Meanwhile, someone else wrote: "Awful that she had to say anything at all. She may be a public figure but she deserves to have a private life when it comes to her health. ❤"
Kate seems to be coping well.
Ailsa Anderson, a former spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth II, offered insight into how the Princess of Wales is doing. "She has the inner strength, the support of her husband and her extraordinary family," she told People. "So she can focus on what’s important, which is her getting back to strength."
She has asked for privacy.
In her cancer announcement video, Kate explained that she waited to publicly speak about her health until after she and Prince William could explain it to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Princess Louis "in a way that is appropriate to them."
"I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on things that will help me heal in mind, body and spirit," she shared. Additionally, Kate noted that she now needs "time, space, and privacy" as she continues treatment.
