A Princess with a brave face and a voice that broke just a little

IT IS not the news any mother should have to deliver to her young children, let alone a nation. But the Princess of Wales, who has faced more than anyone could reasonably be expected to bear over the past few months, did so with a brave face and a voice that, nonetheless, broke just a little.

From a park bench in Windsor, where she lives with her husband and three young children, the Princess told the watching world that she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

She is “going to be OK”, she said. In words she will have repeated to reassure 10-year-old Prince George, eight-year-old Charlotte, and five-yearold Louis time and again since they learnt what cancer means, she is “well and getting stronger every day”.

Dressed simply in her off-duty uniform of jeans and a striped jumper, she looked as close to her polished self as is possible in the wake of major abdominal surgery and the beginning of chemotherapy treatment.

While the Princess’s engagement ring was missing in her Mothering Sunday photograph, in this video, the distinctive blue ring that once belonged to Princess Diana was back in its rightful place.

Having steeled herself for a video message – never the preferred medium for the naturally shy Princess – she delivered in one take a message that will go down in history as one of the most moving royal broadcasts.

Beginning with generous thanks to the nation for its support and understanding while she has been out of the public eye, the Princess went on to deliver calmly the explanation of just why that has been.

In a tone belying that worse news was to come, she thanked her medical team and, with her voice trembling slightly, revealed that after her abdominal surgery in January they found she had cancer. It has come as a “huge shock” she said, looking into the camera. “William and I have been

‘Already loved by a nation, her news will see it unite behind her in sympathy, admiration and hope’

doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

“Most importantly,” she added,

“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.”

It is the words of comfort that countless parents have offered to their own children as they face a diagnosis.

“As I have said to them,” she said, voice strengthening, “I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”

She looks forward to returning to royal duties when she is able, she said, relaying that she “must focus on making a full recovery” before pausing, eyes lowered, for a breath.

It was only as she drew the message to its conclusion that the Princess seemed on firmer ground.

“I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer,” she said, royal professionalism and a knack for public feeling kicking in. “For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”

The final sentence echoed the reassuring tones of the late Elizabeth II during times of trouble.

The Waleses have made no secret of their decision to put the emotional welfare of their children at the centre of their lives and duties. That warm family environment will now be more important than ever.

As the late Diana, Princess of Wales, was embraced by the nation as its Queen of Hearts, so her daughter-inlaw’s dignified public statement will cement her in its thoughts.

Catherine was already loved by a nation. Her news, and its thoughtful delivery, will see it unite behind her in sympathy, admiration and hope.