Last week, Kate Middleton made the difficult decision to publicly announce her cancer diagnosis. But before doing so, she confided in only a select few individuals, keeping her close friends unaware in order to avoid any potential leaks of this sensitive information. According to a friend of the Princess of Wales who spoke to PEOPLE Magazine, this decision left some of her associates surprised and taken aback upon hearing the news.
In a video address to the public on Friday, March 22, Kate revealed that her recent absence from the spotlight was due to her ongoing battle with cancer. It was disclosed that after undergoing abdominal surgery in January, subsequent tests revealed the presence of cancer.
This announcement shook the world, especially considering King Charles’s current fight against the same disease. Kate’s brave message came after weeks of speculation about her well-being and whereabouts, with both the media and the public raising various questions.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” Kate stated. “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.”
Throughout this challenging journey, Kate has received immense support from her nation, family, and friends. However, she reportedly couldn’t inform all of her closest companions about her diagnosis in order to prevent potential media exposure. Certain trusted friends and confidants were kept in the dark, leaving them shocked and surprised.
“It was a heck of a shock,” remarked one of Kate’s acquaintances. A former palace aide added, “The circle of knowledge was very tight.”
Recent reports suggested that even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not included in the list of individuals briefed before Kate’s video announcement. However, conflicting sources indicate that they might have been informed but cautioned against breaching confidentiality.
We can only imagine the emotional turmoil that Kate experienced upon receiving her diagnosis and the difficult task of informing her loved ones. Additionally, the daunting prospect of eventually disclosing the news to the public must have weighed heavily on her.
Reports indicate that Kate and her family plan to spend the upcoming weeks together during the Easter break from school for the children. While Prince William is expected to resume his royal responsibilities as usual, it is anticipated that Kate’s return to official engagements will depend on her ongoing recovery.
“The Princess will resume her official duties once she receives clearance from her medical team,” stated a palace spokesperson on Friday. “She remains in good spirits and is focused on achieving a full recovery.”
