The declarations of the Princess of Wales made the headlines on Saturday March 23 in the British press, which adores Kate and sees in her a model member of the monarchy. The word “shock” accompanied by its photograph covers several newspapers.
The British royal family finds itself in an unprecedented situation: two of its most important members, King Charles III and the future queen, Princess Kate, must fight cancer.
“Kate, you are not alone,” writes the tabloid The Sun.
On tomorrow's front page: Princess Kate, 42, has cancer and says she's been having chemo treatment but is now 'getting stronger' in video messagehttps://t.co/xSXxGzjuuM pic.twitter.com/y8E36MOZPw
— The Sun (@TheSun) March 22, 2024
The state of health of Prince William's wife and the silence which surrounded her long convalescence after her abdominal operation in mid-January gave rise to all kinds of rumors, particularly on social networks. “Internet trolls who delight in the princess's misfortunes should be ashamed,” says the Telegraph.
📰 The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:
'Cancer came as huge shock'#TomorrowsPapersToday
Sign up for the Front Page newsletter:https://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/FmezmIANlj
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) March 22, 2024
“I’m shocked,” Gwen, a British woman, vice-president of a software publisher, told AFP. “We were all wondering what was happening and it’s very sad to hear that this was the worst possible scenario.”
Charles III 'proud of Kate's courage'
King Charles III, aged 75, whose cancer was announced in early February, said he was "proud of the courage" of Kate, who is the wife of his son William.
Princess Kate and Prince William leave Windsor Castle after a ceremony, June 19, 2023. © Henry Nicholls, pool, AFP (archives)
Prince Harry – William's younger brother – and his wife Meghan, who broke with the royal family and live in California, wished Kate and the family "health and healing" in a statement. “We hope that they can recover [privately] and in peace,” they added.
“Your strength and resilience inspire us all,” French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on the social network X.
Your Highness,
In this difficult period you are going through, Brigitte and I wish you a full recovery.
Your strength and resilience inspire us all.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 22, 2024
His American counterpart Joe Biden said on X “pray” for the princess’s recovery.
Jill and I join millions around the world in praying for your full recovery, Princess Kate. https://t.co/jtLp8Uo23d
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 23, 2024
Preventive chemotherapy
Kate Middleton spoke, looking tested and tired, in a video filmed on Wednesday in Windsor, west of London, and broadcast on Friday. “The last few months have been incredibly difficult for my whole family,” said the 42-year-old princess.
Tests after abdominal surgery she underwent in January revealed the presence of cancer.
The princess spoke of her “huge shock” and explained that the family would “need time”. She asked that their privacy be respected.
Journalists stationed outside Kensington Palace in London, March 22, 2024. © Henry Nicholls, AFP
Kate Middleton is undergoing preventive chemotherapy. According to the British agency PA, Kate began treatment at the end of February. Like Charles, she did not specify the nature of her cancer.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said Friday that Princess Kate would return to official duties "as soon as her medical team clears her." According to PA, Kate, William and their children will not be present at the traditional Easter mass with the royal family.
With AFP
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