Kate Middleton's Cancer Diagnosis
In a video uploaded to the Prince and Princess of Wales social media accounts in mid-March, Kate Middleton answered all the questions royal fans have been asking since her surgery was announced in January, delivering some grim news along with the update.
"I underwent major abdominal surgery in London," Kate said in the video, "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," she continued. "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."
While the family is putting on a brave face for the public, individuals close to them have shared some tidbits of what's really going on. Amaia Arrieta, a designer who has styled Prince William and Kate Middleton's children in the past, told The Telegraph, "I'm heartbroken at the moment, I think they are going through hell, I hope they will be back. It’s really personal."
Prince William Is Feeling The Pressure
While Prince William isn't one to delve into the private health matters of his family members, he did tell a group of well-wishers last week, "We're all doing well." But sources close to the family have provided a little more detail on the subject.
"Whether you’re a prince or a pauper, no one would expect anything like this with his father and his wife both being treated for cancer," this insider said. "William is digging deep." He's also been making sure his children feel supported during this difficult time. "William is prioritizing giving her all the time she needs to get better and the support, particularly to the children," the source continued.
Of course, it takes a toll being the person everyone is leaning on during a difficult time, and Prince William has handled with grace. “The double illness has placed enormous pressure on William, both as a parent and inheritor of the family business," the source said. "It has brought all kinds of challenges. He [has handled] it with calmness and lack of drama."