The Princess of Wales wrote her entire cancer battle speech ‘by herself, very quickly’ in an attempt to ‘quell further gossip and health speculation’, a close friend has revealed.
Kate Middleton made the emotional announcement, recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, on Friday night and a friend has revealed the royal’s thinking behind addressing the nation.
The friend told The Sunday Times: ‘It wasn’t really about the drama of the last few weeks, though obviously that has been upsetting. She felt she had to do it because of who she is. It was more that she knows she is a public figure and has a wider leadership responsibility.
‘It was all her, she wrote every word of it, it came together very quickly.’
The friend added that the speech allowed the Princess to reach out to a supporting public who did not subscribe to the gossip and conspiracy theories.
Kate also favoured revealing the news through a video message over a more ‘jarring’ written statement as it would be a more reassuring way to deliver the shocking news.
This comes after the Prince and Princess of Wales thanked the public on Saturday night for an overwhelming deluge of love and sympathy which greeted Friday’s announcement, adding that they were ‘extremely moved’ by the support.
The Princess of Wales (pictured in November 2023) has revealed that she felt it was her duty to tell the public about her cancer diagnosis
Kate Middleton made the emotional announcement, recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, on Friday night and a close friend has revealed the royal’s motives behind addressing the nation
The friend said: ‘It allowed her to speak directly to the public who, overwhelmingly, have always been with her and her family and who don’t buy into the noise and gossip’ (pictured: Kate in September 2023)
A key reason for the shock announcement was the Princess feeling she had a duty to spread hope to those experiencing similar conditions and to reassure royal fans across the world.
Another friend expressed frustration that Kate was forced into posting such an honest message after a barrage of rumours and conspiracy theories across social media, which has led the likes of left wing journalist Owen Jones and actress Blake Lively to express their sorrow for ill-judged remarks.
In the aftermath of the video Linda Yaccarino, chief executive of X, formerly Twitter, wrote: ‘A brave message delivered … with her signature grace. Her request for privacy, to protect her children and allow her to move forward (without endless speculation) seems like a reasonable request to respect.’
A source close to the Prince and Princess of Wales bemoaned the vast extent of the ‘misinformation’ surrounding the royal’s health and hoped the announcement would end the unpleasant rumours.
It is thought that the Princess made the decision to reveal the diagnosis herself but that it had the full backing of her husband despite his reported regret that she had felt compelled to do it.
In the heartfelt video message, Kate spoke about the ‘huge shock’ after tests identified cancer following the surgery and the ‘incredibly tough couple of months’ her family have experienced, with her voice cracking with emotion at times during the footage.
The form of cancer has not been disclosed but the future Queen began a course of ‘preventative chemotherapy’ late in February, and is said to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as ‘well and getting stronger every day’.
The close friend also felt the message was brought forward after it became clear she would not be returning to royal duties as quickly as the public expected.
Many across the country had been anticipating an update that Kate was getting back to work around Easter.
Kate’s desire for privacy was also a factor, the friend revealed. The speculation surrounding a routine trip to her and the Prince of Wales’s favourite farm shop in Windsor last weekend was not something she wanted repeated.
And with the couple’s three children breaking up for the Easter holidays this week, the timing meant the diagnosis did not hit the news while they were at school.
Lambrook School’s three-week holiday began on Friday afternoon, just as the media were being informed of the imminent announcement.
This comes after the Prince and Princess of Wales (pictured in 2020 with Prince George, left, Prince Louis, centre, and Princess Charlotte, right) thanked the public on Saturday night for an overwhelming deluge of love and sympathy which greeted Friday’s announcement
It has been confirmed that the family will not attend the Easter service in Windsor next Sunday
Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, all attend the school in Berkshire.
On Saturday night, Kate said she felt ‘extremely moved’ by the widespread support which greeted the courageous announcement.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said on Saturday: ‘The prince and princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message.
‘They are extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time.’
Yesterday, flowers were laid by well-wishers outside royal palaces, with a heartfelt note attached to a bouquet left at Windsor Castle capturing the sentiments of many.
Hashtags including ‘WeLoveYouCatherine’ and ‘GetWellSoonCatherine’ were trending on social media site X all day yesterday.
It is thought that the Princess made the decision to reveal the diagnosis herself but that it had the full backing of her husband despite his reported regret that she had felt compelled to do it
King Charles III (pictured with Kate in 2021), who announced his own cancer diagnosis in February, is said to be proud of his ‘beloved’ daughter-in-law for her courage in speaking about her treatment
It was revealed on Saturday that the King donned his dressing robe and ‘toddled’ over to comfort his daughter-in-law as they both recovered from surgery at the London Clinic
Princess Kate had undergone major abdominal surgery – not thought to be for a malign condition – but post-operative tests found signs of cancer
‘I wish you from the depths of my heart a certain and lasting recovery,’ it said.
The video has been greeted with a global outpouring of support, including from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: ‘We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.’
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak drew attention to the ‘intense scrutiny’ the Princess has faced from social media users across the world.
Foreign secretary Lord Cameron posted on X, formerly Twitter: ‘The strength of the princess – speaking so frankly, with all the pressures of publicity and bringing up a young family – is remarkable and is rightly admired around the world.’
Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, said Kate showed ‘incredible strength and poise’ in her video message.
King Charles III, who announced his own cancer diagnosis in February, is said to be proud of his ‘beloved’ daughter-in-law for her courage in speaking about her treatment and has remained in close contact during the past few weeks.
It was revealed on Saturday that the King donned his dressing robe and ‘toddled’ over to comfort his daughter-in-law as they both recovered from surgery at the London Clinic.
Both the monarch and the Princess of Wales were inpatients at the prestigious clinic in Marylebone, north London, in January as they both underwent major surgery.
The news of her diagnosis came after weeks of speculation on Kate’s health fuelled by a Mother’s Day photograph (pictured) that the Princess admitted she edited
The princess is understood to be keen to continue with her normal private routine, with William set to return to official engagements after their children go back to school on April 17
The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen together last week as William went to the the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey
Insiders said King Charles, who was treated for an enlarged prostate, was seen ‘toddling’ from his bed at the hospital near Harley Street, to see Princess Kate along the corridor.
At the time, Princess Kate had undergone major abdominal surgery – not thought to be for a malign condition – but post-operative tests found signs of cancer.
One insider said: ‘There is a very strong relationship between their majesties and the Waleses. They are very close, even more so at the moment.’
The shocking news is also thought to have strengthened the bond between William and Queen Camilla, who had a tricky relationship for a number of years.
The two were seen giggling as they led the royals at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey earlier this month in the King’s absence.
On the other hand, speculation has been rife about how Harry discovered the news of Kate’s diagnosis.
Several sources have suggested that Harry found out the news with the rest of the public while watching the video message on the television.
The princess is understood to be keen to continue with her normal private routine, with William set to return to official engagements after their children go back to school on April 17.
However it has been confirmed that the family will not attend the Easter service in Windsor next Sunday.
The King, by contrast, may attend a smaller version of the annual service at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel alongside the Queen if his health allows.
Kate at her ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 8
Queen Camilla and Prince William shared a giggle as they led the royals at Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day service earlier this month
Kate’s cancer is for this reason that Prince William pulled out of a memorial service for his late godfather, King Constantine of Greece (pictured)
The Prince and Princess of Wales accompanied their children George, Louis and Charlotte for their first day at Lambrook School in Berkshire in September 2022
Speculation has been rife about how Harry discovered the news of Kate’s diagnosis
The King has stepped back from public duties on medical advice to avoid large crowds.
It is understood he also hopes to attend Trooping the Colour on June 15 and increase his public-facing duties from the early summer.
Camilla is set to undertake three engagements this week, including attending a service to mark Maundy Thursday at Worcester Cathedral.