Friday March 22, 2024 | VICTORIA, BC [Updated March 23, 2024]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The Princess of Wales, Catherine Middleton, today announced in a video on social media that she is dealing with a diagnosis of cancer.
This follows her abdominal surgery in January, after which the presence of cancer was found. The type of cancer has not been specified.
Princess Kate — as she is called by much of the world — is 42 years old. She and Prince William were married in 2011. They visited here in Victoria in 2016.
Timing of the announcement:
This also comes after much speculation (some of it considered ‘over the top’ on social media) about why the Princess was being so non-communicative about her health.
Naturally everyone has been hoping for her recovery and good health, even before today’s announcement that she is receiving preventive-type chemotherapy.
All the mainstream news outlets dropped most of all other news all afternoon in Canada, to cover this shocking announcement.
After just four hours, her post on X had been seen by 41 million people, with 25,000 replies, 89,000 reposts, and 375,000 likes/support.\
The video was filmed by the BCC on March 20, as shown by a video credit. The timing of the release at 6 pm London Time (10 am Pacific Time) was intentional to align with spring break for the children of the Prince and Princess of Wales (to shield their children from intensive media exposure and comments at school).
Impact on the royal family:
While Catherine herself is not in line to the throne, she is — as the Princess of Wales and wife of a future monarch — an active working member of the modern Royal Family (in recent years pared down to just five members of the family by King Charles: King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate, and Princess Anne).
The Princess of Wales is wife to the current first-in-line to the throne, and of course mother to the next three royals in line to the throne: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
As a constitutional monarchy, the British Royal Family embodies the head of state and does the constitutional business of Great Britain. Already Prince William has been stepping in for his father on several occasions, but there is also all that unseen official paperwork and private meetings to be handled by whomever is the monarch.
Full Statement by The Princess of Wales (transcribed / approximately 2 minutes audio):
“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you personally for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I’ve been recovering from surgery. It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family. But I’ve had a fantastic medical team who’ve taken great care of me for which I am so grateful.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London. And at the time, it was thought that my condition was uncancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests found after the operation and cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I’m 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. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
“But most importantly, it has taken time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that’s appropriate for them and to reassure them that I’m going to be okay. As I 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. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As has the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.
“We hope that you’ll understand that as a family we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I’m able. But for now I must focus on making a full recovery. At this time, I’m also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
Statement from King Charles:
King Charles III, age 75 and also dealing with cancer, said in a statement today that he is proud of Catherine for her courage and speaking as she did. “His Majesty has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks,” Charles said in a statement.
“Both their Majesties will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family throughout this difficult time.”” ~ King Charles III
===== Official well-wishes as posted in social media:
“I wish the Princess of Wales courage and strength as she undergoes preventive treatment for cancer. My thoughts are with her and her family.” ~ Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada
“My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, her children, and the entire Royal Family following the news of her cancer so courageously shared. On behalf of Canadians, I’m sending my support as she undergoes treatment. We’re all wishing her a swift recovery.” ~ Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
“My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, the Prince of Wales, their three children, and the entire Royal Family at this challenging time. The Princess’s openness about her personal health is a testament to her strength. On behalf of British Columbians, I wish Her Royal Highness a full and quick recovery.” ~ The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of BC
“The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country.”…. as an intro to a longer message: “My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales, the Royal Family and in particular her three children at this difficult time. The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery. She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today. In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media. When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family. I know I speak for the whole country in wishing her a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back in action when she’s ready.” ~ Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
“You are brave, and we love you.” ~ Jill Biden, First Lady of The United States
“Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.” ~ James Middleton (Princess Kate’s brother)
“Our thoughts are with the Princess of Wales and her family during this difficult time. As she undergoes treatment following her cancer diagnosis, we wish her well in her recovery. Cancer is an issue that affects us all. Each year, millions of people around the world are diagnosed with cancer, leading to tremendous impacts for individuals, their loved ones and their communities. If you or a loved one are facing a cancer diagnosis, we are here to help. Visit http://cancer.ca or call 1-888-939-3333 to learn more about our support programs and cancer information services.” ~ Canadian Cancer Society
“Your Royal Highness Princess of Wales – you are not alone. Our best wishes for a swift and complete recovery.” ~ Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization
“The news that Princess Catherine is undergoing treatment for cancer will resonate with so many people who have faced this news in their own lives. My thoughts are with her and her family. I join millions who offer their hopes for a full recovery.” ~ Jagmeet Singh, NDP Leader
“We are all sending positive energy to the Princess of Wales after hearing of her diagnosis. Let us show our support by respecting her privacy during this critical time.” ~ View Royal Councillor Damian Kowalewich (Commonwealth Study Conference delegate in 2023)
===== Other comments in social media:
“Now I hope everyone will leave her alone and allow the privacy she and her family need.” ~ Maria Shriver
“I am deeply saddened to hear about Princess Kate’s diagnosis. Amidst the trials she faces, her strength and grace continue to shine brightly. It’s disheartening to see the speculation that has surrounded her, particularly during a time when support and kindness are most needed. During this challenging period, my thoughts and prayers are with Kate and her family. I hope for her swift and full recovery, and I look forward to seeing her continue to inspire and make a positive impact in the lives of others. Let us all show our support by respecting her privacy and focusing on sending positive thoughts her way.” ~ Ivanka Trump
“Prince William • Lost Mother in a tragic accident • Lost Grandmother and grandfather in the space of 2 years. • Estranged spiteful brother • His Father is battling cancer •His wife is battling cancer •Has 3 children under 11 to protect and raise. • He is trying to keep the Monarchy going and still keep a brave face in the face of all this. Doing all this Quietly. Lord, Even Future Kings are humans and need a break.” #WeStandWithYouWilliam ~ @Canellelabelle [on X]
“A brave message delivered by Princess Kate with her signature grace. Her request for privacy, to protect her children and allow her to move forward (without endless speculation) seems like a reasonable request to respect.” ~ Linda Yaccarino, CEO, X
“The way certain American talk show hosts like @StephenAtHome mocked the Princess of Wales over her marriage in recent weeks now looks especially distasteful.” ~ Piers Morgan, media personality
“This is what class, grace, humility and dignity look like. Perhaps someone should send it to Meghan Markle.” ~ Lawrence Fox (Reclaim Party, UK)
===== RELATED:
- Housing initiative launched in UK by William Prince of Wales (June 26, 2023)
- Coronation Day for older monarch & slimmed-down modernizing monarchy (May 6, 2023)
- Raising the Coronation banner at BC Government House (May 5, 2023)
- Queen Elizabeth II has died (September 8, 2022)
- Princess Diana remembered in Sussex newborn daughter (June 6, 2021)
- Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has died at age 99 (April 9, 2021)