Kate Middleton Is Facing 'The Same Emotions And Fears' As Anyone Battling Cancer, According To Insiders
In January, the mom of three (who shares children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, with her husband Prince William) underwent a scheduled abdominal surgery at The London Clinic.
Doctors discovered she had cancer, and she made her diagnosis public on March 22nd. After a six-month hiatus from public life, Kate made a brief return on June 15th to attend Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of King Charles' birthday.
She wore a stunning white dress by Jenny Packham, complete with a stylish black striped belt and a matching bow at the neck. Charles, 75, is also fighting cancer, which was detected after a routine procedure at The London Clinic in January.
Speaking to People last month, Ailsa Anderson, who once served as the press secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II, shared: "[Kate] might be the Princess of Wales, but she is still a mother and wife and going through the same set of emotions and worries and fears as anyone else in that set of circumstances would be."
Even after Kate's comeback at Trooping the Colour, another source dished to the publication: "The treatment [for cancer] is punishing, and it is different for different people, and the side effects can be unforgiving."
In addition, royal expert and author Sally Bedell Smith dished to the outlet that it would have been "difficult to tell that either the King or the princess had been ill and undergoing some pretty rugged treatment."
Another insider added: "Family is really important to the Princess of Wales, and she wanted to be there to support her family." As Kate undergoes cancer treatment, her need for privacy has never been more paramount, according to People.
This need extends to her children and her husband, William, 42, as well. A former Palace aide shared with the publication that when it comes to the Wales family, especially regarding Kate's cancer diagnosis, "The circle of knowledge was very tight."
Amanda Foreman, a royal historian, concurred and noted that "it is really impressive how they are still able to command all this secrecy." She added: "They are totally running this."
Just before her return to the spotlight, on June 14th Kate shared a heartfelt letter with the public, which gave the first update on her health since announcing that she's currently undergoing chemotherapy.
"I’m looking forward to attending the King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet," she said.
Kate added: "I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body and allowing myself to take this much-needed time to heal."