In a short video message on the social media platform X, the wife of the future heir to the British throne finally ended all speculations about the real state of her health by making the announcement. She also reassured the royal family’s British subjects that her condition is on the mend and that she’s not facing her battle with the big C alone.
By Alex Y. Vergara
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, finally broke her silence after months of keeping mum on the real state of her health. In a two-minute and 20-second video message her team uploaded on the social media platform X, Princess Catherine (nee Kate Middleton), wife of Prince William, the future heir to the British throne, revealed that she has cancer.
The revelation quashed months of speculation among the British media and royal family watchers on the actual state of the princess’ health after she underwent major abdominal surgery in January.
Looking relatively healthy and with a full head of hair, a calm and composed Catherine first thanked all her well-wishers “for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I’ve been recovering from surgery.”
The 42-year-old princess then went on to share with viewers that it has been an “incredible tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who has taken great care of me for which I’m so grateful.”
Then she dropped the bombshell.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at that time it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” she said. “The surgery was successful. However, test after the operation found cancer has been present. My medical team therefore advise that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I’m in the early stages of treatment.”
Without directly apologizing to the royal family’s British subjects for the rather evasive stance it has chosen to take all these months, the princess went on to address the issue.
“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,” she said. “As you can imagine this has taken time.
“It has taken time for me to recover from surgery in order for me to start my treatment. But most importantly, it has taken time [for me] to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I’m going to be okay.”
She also reassured fans and the royal family’s subjects that her husband, Prince William, is with her every step of the way as she wages her battle with the big C. She also thanked all her well-wishers for their “love, support, and kindness.” Despite cancer’s unpredictable nature, the princess also reassured everyone that she is on the mend.
“As I’ve said to them (her children), I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that would help me heal in my mind, body, and spirit. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too,” she continued.
“As is the love support and kindness that have been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”
Without saying it directly, her message also conveyed an appeal for an end to all sorts of speculations about the state of her health and perhaps also the state of her relationship with Prince William.
Despite being a high-profile public figure, the princess, in her private role as a wife and mother, also asked the public to be more understanding by respecting their privacy. She also promised them that she would perform all her royal duties as soon as she gets well.
“We hope that you will understand that as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy. And I look forward to being back when I’m able. But for now, I must focus on my full recovery.”
A smiling princess concluded her message on a positive note, commiserating with people waging their own battle with cancer and assuring them that as a cancer warrior herself, she is one with them.
“At this time, I’m also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone,” she said.
