After Kate MiddletonFollowing her recent shocking health update, the Princess of Wales has become the third member of the royal family to be diagnosed with cancer in as many months.
On Friday, Kate, 42, announced her cancer diagnosis in a video statement shared by Buckingham Palace. She explained that she was diagnosed after her major Abdominal surgery in January. While the mother of three didn’t reveal what type of cancer she’s battling, she did share that she is currently undergoing “preventive chemotherapy” and is “now in the early stages of that treatment.”
Kate said the news of her cancer diagnosis came as a “huge shock” to the royal family. She explained that she and her husband, Prince Williamtried hard to manage the situation privately for the sake of your young children – Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
“As you can imagine, this took time. It took me time to recover from major surgery to begin my treatment,” she shared in the video. “But most importantly, we took time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louie in a way that was appropriate for them and to assure them that I’m going to be fine. As I told them, I’m fine, and getting stronger every day.” , focusing on the things that will help me heal. In my mind, body and spirit. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort.”
The mother-of-three’s announcement came a month after Buckingham Palace revealed in February that King Charles III75 years old, he was diagnosed with cancer after one unrelated procedure for enlarged prostate. The palace has not clarified what type of cancer Charles has or at what stage.
“The king is grateful to his medical team for their quick intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure,” the palace said in a statement. “He remains completely positive about his treatment and hopes to return to full public service as soon as possible. Her Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to avoid speculation and in the hope that it may help public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
After his diagnosis, William assumed many of his father’s official duties as Charles’ son. duties were reduced for cancer treatment. Prince Harry too made a 24-hour visit to see his father.
Following Kate’s announcement, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told ET that CharlesWho visited his daughter-in-law at the London Clinic where she had surgery before his procedure, is “very proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking out as she did.”
Following their time together in hospital, Charles has “remained in closer contact with his beloved daughter-in-law over the past few weeks, and both royals” will continue to offer their love and support to the entire family during this difficult time.
In January, a representative of Sarah Fergusonthe Duchess of York, 64, shared that she had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma six months later she underwent surgery for breast cancer.
Ferguson’s diagnosis came after a series of moles were removed from her body when she underwent reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy.
“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure this was detected at an early stage. Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after breast cancer treatment was distressing, but the Duchess remains in good spirits,” the representative said in a statement.
According to the rep, the duchess wanted to extend her gratitude to medical professionals and encourage everyone to get their blemishes checked. Ferguson is being treated by Dr Andrew Furness, consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, and Catherine Borysiewicz, consultant dermatologist at King Edward VII Hospital in London, and is recovering at the MAYRLIFE clinic in Austria.
“The duchess wants to thank all the medical team who supported her, especially her dermatologist, whose vigilance ensured that the disease was detected at the right time,” the representative continued. “She believes her experience highlights the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture and the appearance of new spots that could be a sign of melanoma.”
This is not the first time that cancer has affected the royal family – Queen Elizabeth IIElizabeth’s father had lung cancer before he died at age 56, making Elizabeth queen.
Calling it “surprising” to have three members of the royal family share cancer diagnoses consecutively, royal expert Katie Nicholl told ET that the public still doesn’t know when Charles will “return to work.”
“We understand that Catherine has been able to work from home… but as she said in that message, the focus must remain on her recovery,” notes Nicholl. “So we don’t know when she will return to work. So the monarchy looks very thin. It was always Charles’s desire to have a lean, pared-back monarchy, but this looks pretty skeletal.”
On January 29, the palace announced that Kate would not return to official royal duties until after Easter, which falls on March 31 this year.
Queen Camilla shared a health update on February 9, saying Charles was “extremely well given the circumstances.” The palace also shared a statement, confirming that Kate was “making good progress” while expressing the couple’s sincerest thanks for the outpouring of support.
Nicholl says that with two senior members of the royal family “out of action”, there is “enormous pressure on (Queen Camilla)”.
“We saw Queen Camilla, she is 76 years old, keeping up with a very busy schedule, filling in for the king at the Commonwealth Day service. And there is also enormous pressure on Prince William to take responsibility as well,” says Nicholl.
She recalls the late Queen Elizabeth’s motto: “It has to be seen to be believed,” and says the mantra “is as true now as it was then.”
“The monarchy is constantly evolving (and) has been through worse than this,” declares Nicholl. “The monarchy is constantly evolving and, over the years, it has been very, very, very challenged. This is a major hurdle and the hope is that we will see the king return to work in due time and so will Catherine.”
RELATED CONTENT: