Kate Middleton cancer diagnosis news — Princess & William to ‘miss service’ as Royal Family’s Easter plans revealed
THE ROYAL Family is preparing for a rather different Easter this year, as plans change amid King Charles and Princess Kate's health battles.
King Charles, who is being treated for cancer, will attend the Easter Sunday Service at St. George's Chapel.
He will be joined by several senior royals, including his wife Queen Camilla.
In the wake of her cancer announcement, Kate Middleton, Prince William, and their three children will not attend the service.
Sunday's appearance will mark the first major event for Charles, 75, since he was diagnosed with cancer in February.
Follow our live blog below for the latest Royal news and updates...
When did Kate begin her treatment?
A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed Kate started a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February and is now on a “recovery pathway”.
They were unable to say when chemotherapy treatment would end and said Kate had spoken to the King.
The Palace also confirmed Prince William will continue to “balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year”.
Hollywood star issues apology to Princess Kate
Actress Blake Lively issued an apology after she mocked Kate’s edited Mother’s Day photo.
“I’m sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this,” she penned on her Instagram account.
“I made a silly post around the ‘Photoshop fails’ frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today.
“I’m sorry. Sending love and well wishes to all, always.”
What did Princess Kate say in her statement?
Kate Middleton said: “I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.
“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should
undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.“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.
“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to
George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.“As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.
“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 am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
“At this time, I am 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.”
Meghan needs ‘A-list’ backing for new business, royal experts claim
Meghan Markle will need “A-list” backing to make a success of her new business venture, royal commentators have said.
The Duchess of Sussex, 42, has lodged papers to trademark her new business American Riviera Orchard – which will sell dog shampoo, chicken feed and cosmetic products.
But commentators think she will need the support of her LA friends if she wants to make the business a household name.
Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: “The whole enterprise doesn’t sound to me like one that would be Hollywood A-list.
“But if she can get out to endorse the said products – George Clooney, perhaps Oprah then, that’s another thing.
“I mean, she had Hollywood a Listers at the wedding. Now is the time to call on them.”
‘The rift is too deep’
The rift between Harry and William is simply “too deep” to be repaired, the BBC’s former royal correspondent Jennie Bond claims.
She told radio: “The bricks that have been thrown, the insults, the allegations, the accusations, the hurt, the pain, the rift is too deep now between William and Harry, I think.
“I personally think William has more or less blotted Harry out of his mind, out of life, and is focused on his role, his family and what he has to do.
“And I think he regards Harry as a nonperson, really, in his life, which is terribly sad.”
William and Harry’s reunion would be ‘very brief’ and ‘carefully choreographed’
Any reunion between Prince Harry and William in the wake of Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis would be “very brief”, a royal author has said.
Tom Quinn told The Mirror: “Given Kate’s cancer diagnosis, Harry will certainly make efforts to see his brother and Kate when he returns to the UK in May.
“If it happens at all it’s to be a very brief carefully choreographed meeting and organised to last a short time so that the brothers can avoid any difficult conversations.”
William and Harry’s feud began long before Megxit, writer claims
Prince William and his brother had been feuding long before Harry decided to quit the Royal Family, biographer Robert Lacey claims
Robert, writing in his book Battle of Brothers, says: “Meghan was not the original factor in Prince Harry’s decision to get shot of his family.
“In January 2005 following the ‘Colonials and Natives’ costume fiasco, we now know that Prince Harry was drawn to re-evaluate his elder brother’s involvement and the unfairness of William’s emergence smelling of roses.
“It made Harry feel alienated. Friends recall ‘no speaks’ and quite a serious rift between the brothers at the time – as there had been after the ‘Drugs Shame’ of 2002, when Harry had first started to realise the price of playing the functional scapegoat.”
The Middleton’s to be ‘absolutely pivotal’ in supporting Kate
Kate Middleton’s family will be “pivotal” in helping her through this difficult time, a royal expert has said.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliam told The Sun Online: “We know that she’s got a very close and supported family, and secondly, that the support is under the radar.
“The Middletons are clearly a very, very important part of her and William’s life.
“At the moment absolutely pivotal. I would say.”
King Charles inspired Princess Kate
Kate was keen to speak to the King about his battle and find out how he was coping.
It is believed the royals also discussed the mum-of-three’s video message and the princess was said to be encouraged by the support her father-in-law received.
A source told : “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.”
Will and Kate’s online popularity soars
The Prince and Princess of Wales have seen a huge uptick in their online following in recent days.
The couple’s Instagram following has soared by 500,000 this week, according to data by , as the public rallies around Princess Kate.
This marks the couple’s largest boost in online followers since the King named them the Prince and Princess of Wales in September 2022.
Preventative chemotherapy – how effective is the treatment Princess Kate is having?
In her statement on Friday, the Princess of Wales told how she had begun preventative chemotherapy.
It came after doctors discovered she had cancer following major abdominal surgery in January. But what is it – and how effective can it be?
The treatment, also known as adjuvant chemotherapy, is a course of anti-cancer drugs that is given to mop up any cancer cells that might remain in the body after primary cancer treatment , which is usually surgical removal of a tumour.
It is particularly effective for breast, bowel and lung cancer but can be recommended for other forms too.
It is not known what type of cancer the Princess has.
Meghan needs ‘A-list’ backing for new business, royal experts claim
Meghan Markle will need “A-list” backing to make a success of her new business venture, royal commentators have said.
The Duchess of Sussex, 42, has lodged papers to trademark her new business American Riviera Orchard – which will sell dog shampoo, chicken feed and cosmetic products.
But commentators think she will need the support of her LA friends if she wants to make the business a household name.
Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: “The whole enterprise doesn’t sound to me like one that would be Hollywood A-list.
“But if she can get out to endorse the said products – George Clooney, perhaps Oprah then, that’s another thing.
“I mean, she had Hollywood a Listers at the wedding. Now is the time to call on them.”
King Charles inspired Princess Kate
Kate was keen to speak to the King about his battle and find out how he was coping.
It is believed the royals also discussed the mum-of-three’s video message and the princess was said to be encouraged by the support her father-in-law received.
A source told : “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.”
Meghan and Harry 'bottom' of Will and Kate's priorities
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were at the "bottom" of William and Kate's priorities ahead of their announcement, according to royal author Phil Dampier.
Phil Dampier told The Sun: "The Sussexes weren't told about it because the relationship between William and Harry is at an all time low...
"It's quite simple. I don't think with all they've had to cope with in the last couple of weeks, dealing with Harry and Meghan would certainly have been bottom of their list."
Tests following Kate’s surgery revealed the cancer
Despite the fact that Kate’s stomach surgery went well, following the procedure, examinations revealed that “cancer had been present.”
At about the same time, on February 5, the palace said that after receiving treatment for a benign prostate enlargement, King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties,” the statement said.
“Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”
Fergie sends heartfelt message to Kate
Sarah Ferguson has said she is “full of admiration” for Kate Middleton in a heartfelt message for the future Queen.
In a statement on Instagram, the 64-year-old said: “All my thoughts and prayers are with the Princess of Wales as she starts her treatment.
“I know she will be surrounded by the love of her family and everyone is praying for the best outcome.
“As someone who has faced their own battles with cancer in recent months, I am full of admiration for the way she has spoken publicly about her diagnosis and know it will do a tremendous amount of good to raise awareness.
“I hope she will now be given the time, space and privacy to heal.”
King Charles to address the nation days after Princess Kate announcement
King Charles will address the nation with a special pre-recorded Easter message tomorrow.
This comes just days after Princess Kate announced she was being treated for cancer.
The King, who is also being treated for cancer, is hoping to attend the annual Easter Sunday service in Windsor.
Will and Kate's online popularity soars
The Prince and Princess of Wales have seen a huge uptick in their online following in recent days.
The couple's Instagram following has soared by 500,000 this week, according to data by , as the public rallies around Princess Kate.
This marks the couple's largest boost in online followers since the King named them the Prince and Princess of Wales in September 2022.
Credit: AP Kate Middleton 'thrilled' by public support, Queen Camilla reveals
The Princess of Wales is "thrilled by all the kind wishes and support" she has received since her cancer announcement, Queen Camilla said today.
Speaking during a visit to the Farmers' Market in Shrewsbury, the Queen shared Kate's message of thanks with the public.
Brits came out in droves during the Queen's visit, with two young girls even presenting her with handmade posters for Princess Kate.
Camilla told them: "I know that Catherine is thrilled by all the kind wishes and support."
When will Kate Middleton return to royal duties?
It is understood that Princess Kate will not be returning to her royal duties until she is good and ready after a difficult cancer diagnosis.
One upcoming event she will not be taking part in is the traditional royal Easter service next week.
In the video posted where she announced her diagnosis, she said: “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.”
Prince William and their three children will also not be expected to attend the event at St George’s Chapel, which takes place on the grounds of the Berkshire Castle for the Easter Day Mattins.
US talk show host issues apology
US talk show host Stephen Colbert, 59, has issued an apology to Kate Middleton after joking about her "disappearance" in the days before the Princess announced she had cancer.
“A lot of my jokes have upset people in the past and I’m sure some of my jokes will upset people in the future,” he said.
“But there is a standard that I try to hold myself to, and that is, I do not make light of somebody else’s tragedy.
“Though I’m sure they don’t need it from me, I and everyone here at The Late Show would like to extend our well-wishes and heartfelt hope that her recovery is swift and thorough,” he added.
Credit: Getty Images
William and Kate's former spokesperson slams online trolls
Kate Middleton was subject to a slew of online conspiracy theories prior to her announcement that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
Now, a former spokesman for William and Kate has blasted the online hate shown towards the couple.
Paddy Harverson told BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: "It's a sort of permanent doom loop. And it's the worst I've ever seen."
When did Kate begin her treatment?
A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed Kate started a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February and is now on a "recovery pathway".
They were unable to say when chemotherapy treatment would end and said Kate had spoken to the King.
The Palace also confirmed Prince William will continue to "balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year";.
Credit: PA Hollywood star issues apology to Princess Kate
Actress Blake Lively issued an apology after she mocked Kate's edited Mother's Day photo.
"I'm sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this," she penned on her Instagram account.
"I made a silly post around the 'Photoshop fails' frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today.
"I'm sorry. Sending love and well wishes to all, always."
What did Princess Kate say in her statement?
Kate Middleton said: “I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.
“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should
undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.“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.
“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to
George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.“As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.
“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 am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
“At this time, I am 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.”