Kate Middleton's Cancer Diagnosis Comes As a Shock — Here's How She's Handling It With Her Kids
Kate Middleton revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer today, and our hearts are breaking for her. In an emotional new video statement, the Princess of Wales shared how she handled the shocking health news with her kids Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, who she shares with husband Prince William.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you personally for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I’ve been recovering from surgery,” Princess Kate begin in the video posted to Instagram. This is the first time she has been seen — officially — since Christmas, and the first message about her health she has given since the palace announced at the end of January that she was recovering at home after a successful surgery. Middleton said that it’s been “an incredibly tough couple of months for our whole family,” explaining that after a “successful” abdominal surgery, tests done afterward “found a cancer had been present.”
Understandably, she kept the news to herself as she recovered from the operation and began undergoing preventative chemotherapy, of which she is now “in the early stages.” As a mom first and princess second, she wanted to make sure to explain everything to her kids before making a public announcement.
“This, of course, came as a huge shock. And William and I have been doing everything to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” Middleton continued. “As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery to start my treatment. But most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte, and Louis in a way that’s appropriate for them and to reassure them that I’m going to be OK.”
She also revealed one of the conversations she had with her kids, which was telling them: “I am well and getting stronger ever day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body, and spirits.”
Middleton also asked for “time, space, and privacy” to continue her treatment.
The comments were flooded by love and support. Olivia Munn, mom of 1 who also recently revealed a cancer diagnosis, commented, “Thank you for showing what it’s like to fight with grace and determination for yourself and for your family. Wishing you all the best. ????????????”
“Sending lots of LOVE and HEALING to you and hope the world leaves you in PEACE at this very private time. My deepest prayers for your speedy recovery. You are a beacon of LIGHT. ✨✨✨✨✨” someone else said. Another commented, “It’s lovely to see you & I wish you all the success in your treatment & recovery. We’re all rooting for you princess x.”
The Princess of Wales has given previous insight into the way she caters to, and appreciates, children’s feelings in the past — like in a message she had for British schoolchildren during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We all have our ups and downs, especially when things change in our lives as they have in so many ways recently,” she said in a June 2020 video message. “This can cause us to have a huge range of different feelings. Sometimes these feelings may be good, but sometimes they may be uncomfortable, and we feel worried, angry or upset.” She added, “It’s important to know that these feelings and frustrations are totally normal, and that they won’t last forever.”
It’s not hard to imagine her giving a similar speech to her young children, who are no doubt struggling with the news of their mom’s illness.
She also seems to be following her own advice. In the message to the children, Middleton said, “As we help others, we mustn’t forget to nurture ourselves by taking the time to focus on the things that make us feel happy too. This might be playing our favorite game, being outside, or talking to our friends. They all help with our mental wellbeing.”
From her message today, it seems like Princess Kate is doing her best to take care of herself, her mental health, and her family, which is the best thing you can do. Our thoughts are with the Waleses during this difficult time!
Before you go, check out the most heartwarming and relatable photos of the royals being normal parents.