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In front of Buckingham Palace: Princess Kate's video message
Photo: Yiu Mok / AP
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has assured Princess Kate, who is suffering from cancer, of the support of the entire country. “She has shown enormous courage with her announcement today,” Sunak said in a statement. "I know I speak for the entire country when I wish her a speedy and complete recovery, and I look forward to seeing her back in action when she is ready."
The head of government also criticized the rumors and conspiracy theories surrounding the future queen's condition in recent weeks. Kate had been treated unfairly by some parts of the media and on social networks, said Sunak. The wife of heir to the throne Prince William is entitled to the same privacy in health matters as all other people.
The White House also expressed its condolences after Princess Kate's cancer became known. Our thoughts are with Kate, her family and her friends, said spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre in Washington. "And of course we wish her a full recovery." It is now particularly important to respect her privacy, Jean-Pierre continued.
Britain's King Charles III, who recently made his cancer public, is "so proud of Catherine for her courage to speak out" and has "maintained close contact with his beloved daughter-in-law in recent weeks," according to a Buckingham spokesman palace.
Charles and his wife Camilla "will continue to provide the entire family with their love and support during this difficult time," the spokesman continued.
Compassion on social networks
Many people also expressed their well-being wishes to the princess on social networks. At the same time, some criticized the palace for the publicity surrounding Kate's condition.
'I hope Princess Kate makes a full recovery - and I can't help but think about how badly she was treated by the palace's PR team. They spread speculation and rumors for weeks... and then threw a cancer patient with small children in front of the bus because of a botched photo manipulation!" said a user on X, formerly Twitter, in a post that was liked thousands of times.
Others held the public responsible for the many rumors: »Weeks of speculation and constant gossip and Princess Kate is battling cancer. Honestly, if people don't learn from this to give others their space and privacy, then I don't know what will!!! I wish her a speedy recovery," wrote one user.
»I'm doing well and getting stronger every day«
42-year-old Kate was diagnosed with cancer after abdominal surgery. The wife of the heir to the British throne, Prince William, is receiving chemotherapy, she said in a video message released on Friday.
The diagnosis was a “big shock” after “incredibly hard months,” says Kate in the video. But: "I'm doing well and I'm getting stronger every day."
"William and I have done everything we can to process and deal with this privately for the sake of our young family," Kate said. "It took us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that was appropriate for them and to reassure them that I would be fine."
The family now needs “some time, space and privacy,” the Princess continued.
czl/dpa