Kate Middleton had a private discussion with a small group of individuals before publicly announcing her cancer diagnosis last week. However, she chose not to disclose the information to other close friends due to concerns about it being leaked to the media.
According to a friend of the Princess, as reported by PEOPLE Magazine, the news of Kate’s cancer diagnosis came as a shock to them. On March 22, Kate appeared in a video to confirm that her recent absence was due to her battle with cancer. She underwent abdominal surgery in January and tests revealed the presence of cancer.
The announcement was met with shock and concern from people all over the world, especially since Prince Charles is also currently fighting the same disease. Prior to her video message, there had been intense speculation about Kate’s health and whereabouts.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” Kate said in her video.
“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.”
Despite having the support of her nation, family, and friends, it has been reported that Kate was unable to inform all of her close friends about her diagnosis out of fear that it would be leaked to the media.
As per PEOPLE Magazine, certain close friends and confidants were not informed about Kate’s cancer, with one friend describing it as a “shock”.
“It was a heck of a shock,” the friend said.
A former palace aide also added, “The circle of knowledge was very tight.”
Earlier this week, it was reported that even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not informed about Kate’s diagnosis before her public announcement. However, other sources claim that they were entrusted with the information but given a “dire warning” not to break the trust.
One can only imagine the difficulty Kate faced in receiving her diagnosis and then having to navigate how to inform her family and friends. Not to mention the weight of having to eventually share the news with the public.
According to reports, Kate and her family will spend the next few weeks together while the children are on Easter break from school. While Prince William will resume his royal duties as normal, it is expected that Kate’s return to royal engagements will be handled on a more flexible basis.
“The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team,” a palace spokesperson said on Friday. “She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kate Middleton during this difficult time. Please leave a comment if you would like to do the same.