Upon sharing her cancer diagnosis, the Princess of Wales has been inundated with messages of support and good wishes from across the globe, including Hollywood celebrities and prominent world leaders.
In an extraordinary gesture, Princess Kate posted a profoundly emotional video message on Friday, revealing the “immense shock” upon learning of her cancer diagnosis following abdominal surgery.
Upon viewing the video on Instagram, Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway expressed acknowledgment by “liking” the post, while Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei was also among those who reacted.
In the footage, Kate detailed the “incredibly tough couple of months” her family have experienced. “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” she said.
“The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been 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.
“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. As you can imagine, this has taken time.”
The video was published on the first day of William and Kate’s children’s Easter school break, strategically timed to use the hiatus to protect them from media coverage regarding their mother’s health.
Princess Kate added: “It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us 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.
“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.”
Global political figures have extended sympathy and solidarity to Kate, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak commending her “remarkable courage” for addressing the issue publicly. He condemned the unjust treatment and intense scrutiny she had endured in recent weeks and urged for her privacy to be respected as she focuses on recovery and spending time with her family.
