Source: time.com/By Nik Popli and Mallory Moench
World leaders and others have been sharing messages of support for Kate Middleton after she announced Friday that she was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.
“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,” the Princess of Wales, 42, said in a pre-recorded video filmed at Windsor.
Kate said the cancer was discovered in post-operative tests after she had abdominal surgery in January, prompting her withdrawal from public life as she began treatment in late February. Kensington Palace is not sharing the reason she had surgery in the first place, or what kind or stage of cancer she has. The diagnosis follows that of her father-in-law, King Charles III, who announced his own cancer diagnosis and treatment in early February.
The Princess of Wales is set to return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team, while her husband, Prince William, will continue to balance supporting his family and maintaining his official duties, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said in a statement.
Here’s what Kate’s family, world leaders, and others have said about her cancer diagnosis, with many offering support to the Princess and urging the public to give her privacy while she recovers.
Family
King Charles III
The King said through a Buckingham Palace spokesperson that he is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did” and has “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks” following their time in the hospital together. The spokesperson added that Charles and his wife Queen Camilla “will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Kate Middleton’s brother-in-law, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle issued a statement as well: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
James Middleton
Kate’s younger brother James Middleton posted a childhood photo with his sibling on Instagram, captioned: “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.”
Gary Goldsmith
Kate’s maternal uncle Gary Goldsmith posted on X (formerly Twitter) his support for his niece and addressed the timing of an article where he discussed his family that was published in The Times Magazine on Saturday. He said on Friday that the interview and photo shoot was done more than a week ago and went to print “before I was aware of the sad news regarding my niece Kate.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with Kate and the wider family at this difficult time and deeply upset at the timing of this article. I hope this draws a line over the continued speculation and horrible conspiracies. Let’s give Kate, William, and the children time and show some love back,” he wrote.
Goldsmith also said he wouldn’t be attending the U.K. Celebrity Big Brother finale Friday night, despite being a contestant on this year’s series.
World leaders and politicians
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
Sunak was among the first to wish the Princess well, commending her “tremendous bravery” in a post on X, and requesting that she is “afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”
Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf
Yousaf said in a post on X that he is “praying for her swift recovery” and is “deeply saddened” to hear about the cancer diagnosis. “It must be an incredibly difficult time for the whole family. Royalty or otherwise, she has a right to privacy, which I hope will be respected.”
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill
O’Neill also posted on X: “I am very sorry to hear the news of the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis. I send her my best wishes and the strength for her treatment, and a full and speedy recovery. A special word of thought to her young family at this challenging time.”
Wales’ First Minister Vaughan Gething
Gething, who recently became the Welsh leader, posted on X that he was: “Deeply saddened to hear the news about HRH The Princess of Wales. On behalf of people across Wales, I would like to send our love and support to the Princess and her family at this very difficult time. All of our thoughts are with you as you continue your treatment.”
U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden
Biden reposted Kate’s video message on X and wrote that his wife “Jill and I join millions around the world in praying for your full recovery, Princess Kate.”
Jill Biden also reshared Kate’s message on X, adding: “You are brave, and we love you.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre
The White House press secretary told reporters that “our thoughts are with [Kate] … during this incredibly difficult time, and certainly we wish her a full recovery and I think it important that we respect her privacy.”
Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Trudeau posted on X that his thoughts were with Kate, her children, and the entire royal family “following the news of her cancer so courageously shared.”
“On behalf of Canadians, I’m sending my support as she undergoes treatment. We’re all wishing her a swift recovery,” he posted.
British Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer
Starmerwrote in a post on X that Kate has “the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too.” He added that the Royal Family is entitled to privacy and space, and referenced the public frenzy over Kate’s absence from public life this year: “I can only imagine the added stress of receiving that news amid the lurid speculation we’ve seen in recent weeks.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan
Khan said in a post on X: “On behalf of Londoners, I wish the Princess of Wales a swift recovery as she undergoes treatment. My thoughts are with her and her family. Cancer has an impact on so many of us—and her bravery in sharing her diagnosis will help raise awareness and encourage others to get checked.”
Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Johnson posted on X: “Wishing Catherine, the Princess of Wales, all possible strength and sending good wishes to her and her family for a full and rapid recovery.”
Celebrities
Ivanka Trump
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s daughter said on X that she was “deeply saddened” to hear the news and called out the scrutiny that preceded the announcement.
“Amidst the trials she faces, her strength and grace continue to shine brightly. It’s disheartening to see the speculation that has surrounded her, particularly during a time when support and kindness are most needed,” Ivanka Trump’s message read. “During this challenging period, my thoughts and prayers are with Kate and her family. I hope for her swift and full recovery, and I look forward to seeing her continue to inspire and make a positive impact in the lives of others. Let us all show our support by respecting her privacy and focusing on sending positive thoughts her way.”
Meghan McCain
The daughter of former U.S. Sen. John McCain, who died of cancer in 2018, wrote on X that “America is sending Princess Kate and the entire royal family strength and support during this challenging time.” She added that “Princess Kate has always been the epitome of class and grace—never more so than now.”
Katie Couric
The journalist, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, empathized with Kate in an Instagram post: “Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is being treated with preventative chemotherapy. As someone who has experienced cancer, I was deeply moved by her comments. Sending her and her family healing thoughts.”
Catherine Zeta-Jones
The Welsh actor, who rose to prominence for her role in The Mask of Zorro, shared her support with the Princess of Wales on Instagram: “Wales and the World is with you… Love to you always.”
Zeta-Jones also commented on Kate’s video posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram account: “Your strength and grace is unwavering, you are in my thoughts.”