The Princess of Wales has been diagnosed with cancer following abdominal surgery. The wife of the heir to the British throne, Prince William, is now undergoing preventative chemotherapy, as she said in a video message published on Friday.
That was of course a big shock, said the 42-year-old. There had previously been speculation about her health for weeks. The daughter-in-law of King Charles III, who is also being treated for cancer, has not attended public appointments for a long time. According to the palace, Kate underwent abdominal surgery in mid-January. No diagnosis was given; at the time it was simply said that it was not cancer. Since then, a number of speculations and conspiracy theories have spread about her condition. After the operation, it turned out that she had cancer, Kate said in the video message, which she recorded while sitting on a park bench. The 42-year-old is wearing jeans and a striped sweater and repeatedly tries to smile briefly.
A few days ago the newspaper had Mirror reports that up to three employees at the private London clinic where Kate was treated attempted to access her medical records. The hospital announced an investigation.
Kensington Palace also released a picture of Kate with her three children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, for Mother's Day. However, the photo was later withdrawn by several news agencies due to allegations of image manipulation. Kate, like many amateur photographers, has occasionally experimented with image editing and apologizes for any confusion, Kensington Palace said on her behalf. This did not stop the speculation. Princess Catherine is considered an extremely popular member of the British royal family in Great Britain.
“You are not alone”
She and William needed time to explain the situation to their children, the video says. “Like I told them, I'm fine, I'm getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me get better,” Kate said.
She then asks for consideration during her treatment. She really enjoyed her work and looks forward to returning when she is able. “But now I have to concentrate on getting completely healthy again.” She tries to encourage other cancer patients and ends with the words: “You are not alone.”
A little later a statement was made by King Charles III. published, it says that he is very proud of Catherine, her courage and especially the way she deals with her illness. In the past few weeks he has been in close contact “with my beloved daughter-in-law.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak assured Kate of the support of the entire country. “She has shown enormous courage with her announcement today,” Sunak said in a statement. “I know I speak for the entire country when I wish her a speedy and full recovery, and I look forward to seeing her back in action when she is ready.”
The head of government criticized the rumors and conspiracy theories surrounding the future queen's condition in recent weeks. Kate had been treated unfairly by some parts of the media and on social networks, said Sunak. The wife of heir to the throne Prince William is entitled to the same privacy in health matters as all other people.
Well wishes for King Charles III's daughter-in-law. also came from the USA. Our thoughts are with Kate, her family and her friends, said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre on Friday in Washington: “And of course we wish her a full recovery.” It is now particularly important to respect their privacy, says Jean-Pierre.