‘Know you’re lovedandnot alone,even thoughitcan feelthatway’
The Princess of Wales was yesterday showered with emotional messages of support from around the world after the bombshell announcement that she is being treated for cancer.
On Friday evening, the future queen spoke of her “huge shock” at the diagnosis – and revealed that she is undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy.
In response, the
Royal Family, Kate’s relatives, politicians, celebrities and members of the public united to wish the princess well in her recovery.
Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway – whose husband, Derek Draper, died in January following a battle with Long Covid – summed up the mood of the nation, telling the princess: “Know you are loved.”
Garraway, who attended a memorial service for the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 along with Kate, wrote on social media: “So brave of Catherine HRH Princess of Wales to share the tough heartbreaking news of what she has been going through and how she has been trying to reassure her children and keep a sense of safety around them when all their world has been rocked.
“Sending love and support to her and her beloved family and to all facing terrifying challenges on this beautiful spring morning. Know you are loved and not alone, even though, whoever you are, it can feel like it.”
Kate, 42, released a poignant video on Friday revealing that tests had identified cancer after her abdominal surgery at the start of the year.
Her voice cracking with emotion, she spoke of the “incredibly tough couple of months” her family have experienced – and her determination to make “a full recovery”.
King Charles, who has been treated for an undisclosed form of cancer since early February, issued a statement through Buckingham Palace, saying: “His Majesty is so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.
“Following their time in hospital together, HM has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks. Both Their Majesties will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time.”
Kate’s brother, James Middleton, posted a picture of himself and his
sister as children, saying: “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.”
The message ended with a mountain and heart emoji.
Her sister, Pippa, and parents Carole and Michael rallied round her, while the Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, said: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family.”
Celebrities also offered support. Hollywood star Jamie Lee Curtis, who attended last year’s Bafta ceremony alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, wrote on Instagram: “Princess Kate has told us about her health and now we should send nothing but our best wishes to her and her family.”
Dynasty legend Dame Joan Collins shared an image of her meeting the Princess in 2017 at the Royal Variety Performance alongside a message praising her bravery and positivity.
Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow posted “A pillar of grace – stay strong” while Welsh actress Catherine ZetaJones shared a picture of herself with Kate and a message saying “Wales and the world is with you”.
In the video, recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, the princess said: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and, at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.
“The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am 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.”
Kate ended by saying: “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
“At this time, I am 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.”
Gemma Peters, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said Kate’s decision to speak out would help others. She said: “In sharing her news, the Princess of Wales has raised awareness of these worries.
“Many will be relating to the Prince and Princess of Wales at this time.
“Some of the first thoughts parents have after being diagnosed with cancer are how it may affect their children, and whether talking to them about it will make them worry, but it is important to give them the chance to talk openly about their fears.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden sent words of comfort, while members of the public also commended the princess. Ann Anderson, 75, from Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, was visiting Windsor Castle yesterday. She said: “I thought it was tremendous for her to do that on her own. How can you sit on a bench like that at that age and just talk about your health? My heart goes out to her.”