Kate Middleton fighting cancer: from King Charles, Prince Harry and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to tourists, how the world reacted

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In the message, Kate asked for “time, space and privacy” during her treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer, which was detected post-operatively, as mentioned in the report. “I’m fine,” she said in the video, adding, “I’m getting stronger every day by focusing on activities that help my recovery.”

Read also | Kate Middleton says she is receiving chemotherapy to treat cancer

This is how the world reacted: from King Charles to tourists in the United Kingdom

Kate’s video received praise for its candid disclosure from the public and media experts, according to an AFP report.

King Charles, who has been on the throne for 17 months, expressed his admiration for his “dear daughter-in-law” following her candid revelation. The 75-year-old monarch praised her bravery in speaking of her, a sentiment echoed by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the White House.

Kate’s brother, James Middleton, took to social media to share a photo of the siblings as children. “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too,” he wrote.

British newspapers featured Princess Catherine’s words on their front pages, with messages of support and admiration. The Sun tabloid declared: “Kate, you are not alone,” while The Standard columnist Rachel Johnson, sister of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, wrote: “The worthy Kate has the sympathy of the nation.”

Commentators and royal experts praised the princess’s candor and highlighted the emotional impact of her direct address to the public. Despite earlier speculation about her health, the news still surprised many, as seen in the reactions of people outside Buckingham Palace.

“Many people will have been moved by the way she behaved during that two-plus minute broadcast. But there is no doubt that it is a very, very difficult time for the institution of the monarchy. It was almost impossible to plan anything involving Charles or Catherine,” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told AFP.

Royal biographer Claudia Joseph told Reuters she hoped this would “take over the speculation.” “Obviously, you would hope the speculation would stop, but in reality, it’s social media and people are often incredibly viral and trolling left, right and center… They speculate and say absolute nonsense,” Joseph said.

Tourists and viewers recognized the challenge the royal family faces in managing public announcements while respecting their privacy. American tourist Hannah Dickerson, 20, told AFP: “I think they’re really doing everything they can to balance it. It’s about balancing how they tell it publicly but also privately, making sure they do it on their own terms.” .

French tourist Victoria Bonet, 22, told Reuters there had been a “big mess over something very small.” “I feel like everyone is making a big deal out of everything, and all the television since I’ve been here. It’s okay to worry about Kate and the king, but I think they deserve to have their private lives too.”

Australian tourist Josh Porter told AFP the health battle could change heir to the throne Prince William’s view of the family’s royal duties. “I think he would certainly raise questions about whether or when he would like to take the reins (as monarch),” he said.

The sympathies come in abundance

King Charles issued a statement through Buckingham Palace, stating: “His Majesty is ‘very proud of Catherine for her bravery in speaking out as she did.'” Following their stay together in hospital, HM has “remained in touch.” closer with his beloved daughter-brother-in-law over the last few weeks. Both Their Majesties (Charles and Queen Camilla) ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family at this difficult time.'”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also issued a statement: “We wish Kate and her family health and healing, and hope they can do so privately and peacefully.”

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the entire country as she continues her recovery. She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today. In recent weeks she has been under intense scrutiny and has been “Treated unfairly by certain sectors of the media around the world and on social media. When it comes to health issues, like everyone else, she should be given the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”

US President Joe Biden’s White House Office issued a statement: “We are incredibly saddened to hear the news,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said at a regular news conference, adding that she wished Kate a full recovery.

Other world leaders such as Canadian Prime Minister Justine Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon; and politicians such as UK Labor Party leader Kier Stramer, Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething also wished strength and support during this time.

Rumors and speculation on social media

It is worth noting that Kate had not made any public appearances since Christmas 2023 until recent images emerged this week, showing her with her husband, Prince William, the heir to the throne, walking from a farm shop near their residence in Windsor.

This has led to widespread speculation about his health, family relationships and other topics on social media and in the media. An edited photo posted on Mother’s Day further fanned the flames.

Kensington Palace had provided minimal information about Kate’s condition, other than confirming that it was not related to cancer, the surgery was successful and her recovery would last until April, which would keep her away from public engagements. Kate revealed that her condition was initially assumed to be non-cancerous until tests revealed the diagnosis.

“This, naturally, was a major shock, and William and I have been handling this privately to safeguard our young family,” she said.

Following last month’s announcement that King Charles III was receiving treatment for an unspecified type of cancer discovered during a procedure for a benign enlarged prostate, this news adds another layer of concern for the royal family.

(With contributions from AP, AFP and Reuters)

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Posted: Mar 23, 2024, 10:49 am IST

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