After weeks of rumors and speculation, the United Kingdom experienced a wave of shock following the announcement of Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis, lauded for her courage as the wife of the heir to the British throne, who is widely popular. The British royal family finds itself in an unprecedented situation, as two of its most prominent members, the king and the future queen, are battling cancer.
Statements from the Princess of Wales dominated headlines in the British press, which adores Kate and often regards her as a model member of the royal family. The word "shock" covered the front pages of several newspapers alongside her image. The Sun wrote in bold letters, "Kate, You're Not Alone," while The Times quoted the princess's optimistic words, titling, "I Will Overcome This."
Kate's health status and the silence surrounding her long recovery after abdominal surgery have sparked a torrent of rumors, especially on social media. The Telegraph stated, "Online trolls who revel in the princess's misfortunes should be ashamed of themselves." Gwen, a British woman who serves as vice president of a software publishing company, told AFP: "I am shocked," adding, "We were all wondering what was happening, and it is very sad to hear that the worst-case scenario has come true."
King Charles III, 75, who has also been announced to have cancer, expressed his "pride in Kate's courage" as she announced her illness. Prince Harry—William's younger brother—and his wife Meghan, who have separated from the royal family and live in California, offered their wishes for "health and recovery" to Kate and the family in a statement. They added, "We hope they can recover in an atmosphere of privacy and calm."
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed via X platform that he is "praying" for Princess Kate's recovery, while French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on the same platform, "Your strength and resilience inspire us all."
Kate revealed her illness in a video filmed on Wednesday in Windsor, west London, and broadcast on Friday, where she appeared tense and fatigued. The 42-year-old princess stated, "The past few months have been incredibly difficult for my entire family," pointing out that tests conducted after her abdominal surgery revealed a cancer diagnosis. She mentioned a "great shock" and emphasized that the family "needs time," urging respect for their privacy.
The princess is undergoing preventive chemotherapy, generally administered to patients after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and its spread through cancerous cells in the bloodstream. According to the British PA agency, Kate began treatment at the end of February. Like Charles, Kate did not specify the nature of the cancer she is facing.
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace in London stated on Friday that Princess Kate would return to her official duties "as soon as her medical team permits her to recover." According to PA, Kate and her husband William, along with their children, will not attend the traditional Easter service with the royal family.
