Kate Middleton reportedly met with King Charles III before his cancer announcement.
The Princess of Wales sat down for a personal lunch with her father-in-law on Thursday to discuss her “general health knowledge,” sources tell PEOPLE.
Charles – who revealed his cancer prognosis in February – “has always had a great bond” with his daughter-in-law, creator Sally Bedell Smith, the outlet also shared.
“She is busy with creative matters and appreciates art and tradition, so she has an affinity with the king about that,” continued the creator of “George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage that Saved the Monarchy.”
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“Obviously they have that in common and it can only bring them closer. It is a source of security and comfort for each of them.”
According to the outlet, Middleton, 42, and Charles, 75, spent several nights together at The London Clinic in January while the king underwent treatment and the princess had “deliberate abdominal surgery.”
Another source also told Those that as Charles continues his treatment, he is “progressing well” and planning his summer schedule without “committing to anything.”
On Friday, Middleton announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was in the early stages of chemotherapy.
“In January I had major abdominal surgery in London and at the time it was thought my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery went well,” said the mother of three in a video.
“However, tests after the operation found that cancer was present. My medical team therefore suggested that I should undergo preventive chemotherapy treatment and I am now in the early stages of this treatment.”
Although she did not reveal the type of cancer she had, the princess said the prognosis was a “huge shock.”
Amid ongoing conspiracy theories about her whereabouts, Middleton reinforced that she and her husband, Prince William, 41, have been doing everything they can to act privately “for the good” of themselves and their children, Prince George. , 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
We’re told the couple wanted their children to have enough time to “understand and process the news before it is made public.”
Charles immediately confirmed his support following Middleton’s announcement with a Buckingham Palace spokesperson telling us he is “very happy with Catherine for her courage in speaking out as she did.”
The spokesperson added that the monarch “remained in closer contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the preceding weeks.”
Royal creator Valentine Low also previously told us that Middleton likely felt the “stress” of clarifying her prognosis, as several followers speculated the reasons behind her absence since Christmas 2023.
“They probably felt pressure to announce it,” explained the creator of “Courtiers: Intrigue, Ambition, and the Power Players Behind the House of Windsor.”
Since her announcement, Middleton has received multiple apologies from celebrities who have mocked conspiracy theories involving an alleged love scandal and a closely edited photograph.
