Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis stresses need for public boundaries
Princess Kate announced that she has cancer Friday, putting an end to relentless, ridiculous rumors that have spun out of control in the wake of her absence from public life following a planned abdominal surgery in January.
The Princess of Wales – like the palace did when she first announced her planned absence – asked for privacy amid her recovery.
“We hope that you’ll understand that as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” she said.
The call for privacy came after months of ongoing speculation about her whereabouts and a major photo editing snafu the palace failed to quiet – not to mention King Charles III’ own cancer diagnosis.
The reality is that no family – famous or otherwise – is immune to health issues, and everyone deserves privacy when they withhold details. Serious stories often lurk behind silence.
“Public figures need privacy to cope, heal and develop a strategy to move forward just like everyone else,” Amy Morin, psychotherapist, author of “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do” and the host of a podcast, previously told USA TODAY. “Working through issues privately can give them space to manage their emotions and strategize how to move forward without the distraction of outside opinions.”
The royals have a long, complicated history with the media. They have denounced the tabloid appetite for details of their personal lives – but have also walked hand-in-hand with the press to promote their royal duties and causes.
In recent years, Kate and husband Prince William have mirrored celebrities in sharing news they want to share on their social media profiles and via official royal news releases.
“Boundaries are essential to lead a healthy life,” Laura Petiford, a licensed marriage and family therapist, previously told USA TODAY. “Healthy people respect the boundaries that others establish for themselves.”
It’s easy to ignore others’ boundaries, however, in current times.
“In the age of social media, the general public has become trained to share not only their most private moments, but to also expect others to do the same,” psychologist Reneé Carr previously told USA TODAY.
The public often insists they deserve to know all the ins and outs of celebrities’ lives. But do they?
“If we put ourselves in their shoes, we would want to be able to have a private life, especially when dealing with sensitive or difficult issues,” Petiford said. “Yes, they have chosen to lead a life that is more in the public eye, but they have not forfeited their human need to draw a distinct line between themselves and those who are interested in them.”