King Charles & Princess Kate praised by Shirley Ballas for opening up about cancer treatments after judge’s cancer scare
STRICTLY head judge Shirley Ballas has praised the King and Princess Kate for speaking publicly about their cancer treatments.
The TV star, 63, described the pair as inspiring — after she revealed her own breast cancer scare yesterday.
She had three biopsies taken from her left breast last week and is awaiting the results, she told the Sun on Sunday.
Shirley met royal Strictly Come Dancing fan Kate last December when she visited the BBC show’s set.
She has also told how Queen Camilla has written to her.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Shirley said: “I think it was very brave of Charles and Kate to come out and share their stories.
“Lovely Kate, sat on that little park bench in a little striped jumper. It’s a memory I will have for a long time, and I think it’s great for women.
“And King Charles, when he came out and shared his diagnosis. They are inspiring and will encourage others to get their health checked.”
The King is having treatment for cancer discovered during a prostate op.
The Princess of Wales is having chemotherapy for cancer found during abdominal surgery.
Kate visited Elstree studios, where Strictly is filmed, last December, as a special treat for her two youngest children Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, six.
Shirley recalled: “They are beautiful. When they visited we had these crowns on set, so I thought it would be a nice idea to give the little girl a crown and I got him a nice box of sweets.
“Then he went, ‘I want one of those’ and pointed at the crown.
“So we had to go and find him a little crown. They’re beautifully polite children. They had an absolute ball.
“We have photos, but I didn’t want to post them. I think it’s more private for her. I was just glad she was able to come in and have a great day. They all watch Strictly.”
Shirley also received a hand-written note from Queen Camilla when she sent her a copy of her novel Murder on the Dancefloor.
She said: “Camilla wrote me back the most beautiful note, which I will get framed. She’s an avid fan.”
Prince William and Kate celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary today.