As the royal family faces recent shocking health updates, the ties between them are getting closer and closer. After Kate Middleton revealed on Friday that she was diagnosed with cancerroyal expert Katie Nicholl shares insight into how the Princess of Wales, 42, and King Charles III they approached.
Nicholl told ET’s Nischelle Turner that in addition to the 75-year-old monarch visit to daughter-in-law at the London Clinicwhere she had surgery before his procedure, palace sources confirm that “the king had lunch with Catherine on Wednesday in Windsor after she recorded (her video message).”
“This is very special, I don’t think you get to have many one-on-one audiences with the king,” adds Nicholl. “I think that’s an indication of how close they are and certainly this shared experience, this double diagnosis of cancer will only bring them closer.”
As ET previously reported, a month after the palace announced that Charles had been diagnosed with cancerKate revealed her cancer diagnosis in a video statement shared by Buckingham Palace. Although the mother of three did not reveal what type of cancer she is battling, she explained 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 William tried hard to manage the situation privately for the sake of your young children – Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
A source tells ET that Kate filmed the video on March 20 and began receiving cancer treatment shortly after surgery in January.
After Kate’s diagnosis was revealed, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson shared that Charles 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. “
“The fact that she decided to speak out and talk about it and really take responsibility for her health and her journey, I suppose in a way she was following in the king’s footsteps, because that’s what he did,” Nicholl says of the decision. Kate’s decision to announce her diagnosis.
The royal expert adds that she believes the king was “deeply moved” by the “outpouring of grief” following his and Kate’s announcements.
The cancer revelation came more than two months after the palace announced on January 17 that Kate had suffered “planned abdominal surgery.” While Queen Camilla and the palace shared updates on Charles’ improving the conditionThe progress of Kate’s recovery was shrouded in mystery, all compounded by the fact that 70 days passed before Kate was seen for the first timealthough not in his official capacity.
The palace had previously said that Kate was “not likely to return to public duties until after Easter“, which takes place on March 31. But his absence has triggered rampant speculation about his whereabouts, speculation that, unfortunately for everyone involved, has turned into vast and bizarre conspiracy theories.
Nicholl acknowledges the public’s voracious search for information about Kate’s absence, telling ET that she believes “lessons have been learned” when it comes to how the palace shares details.
“My understanding is that the king was really supportive of her making that video message, even if it was a breach of protocol, just a deviation from the norm, because he recognizes how important that connection with the public is.” Nicoll says. “He also received support from the public, and that (helped him) through a very difficult period.”
Nicholl also says that Kate “wrote every word” of her video announcement, adding that the Princess of Wales “changed that speech very quickly, which I think indicates it came from the heart.”
“It was her idea and also unprecedented,” continues the royal expert. “Normally when we receive these types of updates or statements they tend to be made in a written statement from the palace, but apparently the princess simply felt this would not sit well with the public – possibly because of these online conspiracy theories. .”
She adds, “I understand and can reveal exclusively to ET that she spoke to her father-in-law before the message and, of course, her husband, because she knew that what she was doing was actually a little different than what was happening. norm and they both gave their full support and recognized that this was the best way to do it.”
While Charles and Kate recover, the royal family takes time to enjoy each other’s company.
ET has learned that Kate and Prince William41, were seen leaving Adelaide Cottage in Windsor by helicopter on Saturday with his children heading to Anmer Hall, located on the Sandringham Estate. The family will spend their children’s Easter school holidays at their country house, which also gives them the opportunity to see the monarch.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will not attend Easter services with the rest of their family. This year’s festivities will be a big departure from the family’s typical schedule of events, which includes the Easter service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. The source adds that it is possible the group will go to church together in Sandringham to mark the holiday.
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