Worldwide support pours in after Kate’s cancer revelation
LONDON — Support poured in from around the world Saturday for Kate, the Princess of Wales, after she revealed in a candid video message that she is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer following major abdominal surgery.
The video, in which she spoke about the “huge shock” and “incredibly tough couple of months” for her family after her diagnosis, came after weeks of speculation about her health and well-being.
Kate, 42, did not say what type of cancer was discovered after her surgery. She said she is in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy.
The announcement will partly tamp down conspiracy theories about Kate’s condition that have multiplied on social media since Kensington Palace announced in mid-January that she had been hospitalized for abdominal surgery.
Hashtags including “We Love You Catherine” and“Get Well Soon Catherine” were tr ending on X, formerly Twitter, while political leaders, celebrities and cancer survivors sent messages of support.
“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,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said. “She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement.”
U.S. President Joe Biden posted on social media, saying he and first lady Jill Biden “join millions around the world in praying for your full recovery, Princess Kate.”
King Charles III, who is also undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer, said he was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.”
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, who have been estranged from the royal family since their move to California in 2020, said they wished “health and healing for Kate and the family.”
Until Friday, there had been little information about Kate’s condition.
Feelings of distrust about the royals gained ground this month after Kate acknowledged she altered a photo released to mark Mother’s Day in the U.K. The photo triggered a backlash after news agencies retracted the image over concerns it was manipulated.