'TERRIBLE EVENTS'
Kate Middleton shares first public message since cancer announcement saying she’s ‘shocked’ by Sydney stabbing attack
The royal praised 'the heroic emergency responders' in the social media message
PRINCESS Kate has shared her first public message since being diagnosed with cancer.
The Princess of Wales, 42, took to social media to say she is “shocked and saddened” by the Sydney attack.
5
5
5
5
On X, formerly Twitter, she and William said: “We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events in Sydney earlier today.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the loved ones of those lost and the heroic emergency responders who risked their own lives to save others. W & C.”
Kate's heartfelt message came after six people died when a rampaging knifeman stabbed terrified shoppers as they tried to flee a busy mall in Sydney today.
Witnesses told how they saw the knifeman stab nine people including a mum and her nine-month-old baby.
Two men told of how they helped a mother and her baby who had both been stabbed, and pressed shirts to the infant's wounds in an attempt to stop the bleeding.
They said the mum, out of sheer desperation, threw her injured baby to the brothers.
Tragically, it has since been revealed that the heroic mum is among the dead.
Police said they did not know of "any motive or any ideology" but could not rule out terrorism.
Most read in Royals
It is Kate's first public comment since she revealed she was battling cancer.
The Princess of Wales released a statement on March 22, 2024, revealing the heartbreaking news but vowed: "I am well and getting stronger every day".
‘Dreamy’ Princess Kate is not a fake like Meghan who has just one expression, she’s natural and has 'great relationship’ with Wills
In January 2024, Princess Kate underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time it was thought her condition was non-cancerous.
Kate said: "The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.”
The statement did not confirm what type of cancer the Princess had.
Before her announcement, Kate had been absent from duty since her surgery and had rarely been seen in public.
Kate's medical team advised she undergo a preventative treatment programme and she is currently receiving the "early stages" of the regimen.
INGRID SEWARD: Prince William is a pillar of strength for Kate
STEADFAST when his family needed him, William has proved himself as a man and future monarch of strength and compassion.
While he might not have been present during Kate's courageous video address on Friday — make no mistake, he has been by her side every step of the way.
William has stepped up with school run duties and provided a "great source of comfort and reassurance" to his wife.
But he has also been a comforting and reassuring presence for the public.
From leading members of the Royal Family at the Commonwealth Day Service to enjoying cheerful banter with youngsters on a youth centre visit, he hasn’t put a foot wrong.
Just this week he visited Sheffield to highlight his Homewards project to end homelessness in the UK.
Even then there were few chinks in his facade — but Kate was clearly on his mind.
"She needs to be sat here to hear this," he smiled, when the discussion turned to the challenges of young families.
But ultimately he is only human.
To have your father and your wife diagnosed with cancer within such quick succession is heart-shattering.
It's a remarkable insight into the character of this young man that he has been so incredibly brave.
Theirs is a very private turmoil which has been brought into the public arena by nature of their roles as future King and Queen.
William must feel the weight of enormous responsibility, both personally and for the monarchy, of which he is now the public face.
But he knows his most important role is that of dad and husband.
He will make that his priority.
This is a distinct difference from the ways of the past, where your royal role came before the role of spouse and parent.
Think back to when the Queen was young.
WILLS' PRIORITY
It was a man's world then — and she was forced to abandon her children in a way that William is determined not to.
William and Kate waited until the school term was over and their children were home before making their public announcement.
They needed to be prepared.
In this, they will have had the wholehearted support of Charles — who knows what it feels like to be brought up by nannies.
William was also acutely aware of the lack of his own father's presence in his life, especially when things went wrong.
In 1991, he was accidentally hit over the head with a golf club when he was at school and Diana was having lunch in her favourite restaurant San Lorenzo.
The call came through that William had been bashed on the head and they thought he might die so it was very serious.
Both Charles and Diana rushed down to Ludgrove.
William was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and then to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Diana went with him.
But ever a man of duty, Charles prioritised his engagements.
William is determined to do things differently.
The royal mum-of-three, 42, shared the "huge shock" but vowed she is "getting stronger every day" and chose to delay releasing the information to protect her children.
King Charles has also paid tribute to those who have died in Sydney.
He wrote: “My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi.
"Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack.
"While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services."
Kate’s announcement came just months after King Charles revealed on January 17 that he had been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate and was set to go to hospital."
At the time, the palace said his condition was "benign" and he would undergo "a corrective procedure".
Camilla has been Charles' "rock" following his diagnosis and wants to be as supportive for Kate.
The Queen has continued to carry out all of her royal duties and attended many events by herself after urging Charles to slow down.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Meanwhile, Charles was recently spotted jetting to Scotland for a quick break before he returns to public life after more cancer treatment.
His Majesty, 75, carried a suit bag and official government papers as he and Queen Camilla disembarked their private plane.
5
Topics