The Princess of Wales was inspired to reveal her cancer diagnosis after the warm response to the King doing the same six weeks earlier, royal insiders have claimed.
Kate and Charles are known to have formed a strong bond in the 13 years since her marriage to his son Prince William as she has been welcomed into the Royal Family.
And this relationship is said to have been ‘cemented’ in recent weeks by both senior royals being at the London Clinic for operations at the same time in January.
They then had both a cancer diagnosis in February, although Kate delayed her public announcement until last Friday to tell her children at a time that was ‘right for them’.
Kate also made reference in her public video message last Friday to ‘all those whose lives have been affected by cancer,’ adding: ‘You are not alone.’ And this has been seen as a clear nod to her father-in-law as well as millions of other cancer sufferers.
Kate and Charles during a visit to a medical rehabilitation centre in Loughborough in 2020
Charles greets Kate at a Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium, in July 2017
One royal source told The Times: ‘A factor in their decision to go public would have been the great warmth and affection received by the King as a result of his announcement. It meant a huge amount to him. In some ways it provided a template.’
Another palace source told the Daily Telegraph: ‘They can both empathise with what the other is going through, which does help at a difficult time like this.
‘What we’ve seen in recent weeks is that because they are both going through the same health experience it’s cemented that bond.’
Last Friday, Buckingham Palace said the King was ‘so proud’ of Kate for her courage in speaking out about her cancer diagnosis and remains in the ‘closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charles and Camilla have publicly offered their love and support to Kate, the Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as the family try to come to terms with the news.
The monarch, 75, is extremely fond of the princess, who has been part of his eldest son the Prince of Wales’s life for more than 20 years.
Charles and Kate share a love of art, gardening and the outdoors – but now their bond sadly stretches to a shared cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
Kate and Charles smile as they visit Dulwich Picture Gallery in South London on March 15, 2012
Charles and Kate speak at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in March 2022
The King and Queen were told the news about Kate’s health beforehand and were aware she was preparing to issue her video message.
Buckingham Palace said: ‘His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’.
‘Following their time in hospital together, His Majesty has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks’.
‘Both Their Majesties ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.’
The King, who acceded to the throne 18 months ago, is undergoing his own course of treatment for cancer, and Camilla said last week he was ‘doing very well’.
He is continuing his duties as head of state behind palace walls, conducting audiences and Privy Council meetings.
But he has postponed all public-facing engagements after beginning treatment for the undisclosed form of cancer in February.
He spent three nights in hospital for a procedure on an enlarged prostate, during which time his cancer – not prostate cancer – was discovered.
Charles and Kate embrace at the ‘No Time To Die’ premiere in London in September 2021
Kate and Charles iron artwork onto silk at Dulwich Picture Gallery in London on March 15, 2012
Rumours online about the health and whereabouts of Kate intensified after William missed, at very short notice, the memorial service of his godfather the late King Constantine of Greece on February 27.
It is now understood the Prince’s decision not to attend was related to his wife’s condition, but it is not known exactly when the Princess was told about the positive test for cancer.
Further speculation was triggered after the princess admitted to “editing” her official Mother’s Day photograph which had irregularities.
A further development saw an investigation launched by the UK’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, into allegations there were attempts to access Kate’s private medical records at the London Clinic where she had her surgery.
It is not known how long Kate will be receiving treatment but it is understood she may be keen to attend events as and when she feels able to, in line with medical advice, although this will not indicate a return to full-time duties.
William will continue to balance supporting his wife and family, and maintaining his official duties as he has done since her operation.
Charles and Kate at St Paul’s Cathedral for a thanksgiving service for the Queen in June 2022
Kate spoke of the ‘huge shock’ of being diagnosed with cancer in a video released last Friday
The prince is due to return to public duties after his children return to school following the Easter break.
He and his wife will not attend the royal family’s traditional Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel, which the King is hoping to go to with the Queen if his health allows.
It is not likely to be a large family gathering or service, according to The Telegraph, as Charles has paused public-facing royal duties.
Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK said high-profile diagnoses of cancer such as Kate’s lead to a ‘significant increase’ in public awareness.
The charity’s executive director of policy Dr Ian Walker said there was an ‘uplift’ in traffic to its website after announcements from royal figures such as the King and Princess.
He added that high-profile diagnoses such as Kate’s on Friday evening could have ‘real positive effects’.