Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Kate Middleton wearing blue blazer for prison visit© Getty

Princess Kate wrote 'every word' of emotional cancer diagnosis speech

The Princess of Wales is undergoing preventative treatment for cancer

Phoebe Tatham
Content Writer
March 24, 2024
Share this:

The Princess of Wales wrote "every word" of her emotional cancer diagnosis speech shared on Friday, it has been revealed.

In a moving speech, the royal mother-of-three sat down to address her diagnosis in a pre-recorded video. She explained how while her condition was initially thought to be non-cancerous, post-operative tests subsequently found that cancer had been present. 

WATCH: Princess of Wales announced she is being treated for cancer in emotional message

Kate also explained how she is now undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visits the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall on February 11, 2020 in Loughborough© Getty Images
Princess Kate shared her cancer diagnosis on Friday

A friend of Kate told The Sunday Times: "It allowed her to speak directly to the public who, overwhelmingly, have always been with her and her family and who don't buy into the noise and gossip.

"It was all her, she wrote every word of it, it came together very quickly."

In her message, Princess Kate revealed that her diagnosis came as a "huge shock". She said: "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.

kate wearing jacket and black top© Getty Images
The royal said the news came as a "huge shock"

"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."

The Prince and Princess of Wales attend Easter Sunday church service with George, Charlotte and Louis© Getty Images
George, Charlotte and Louis broke up for the school holidays on Friday

Paying tribute to Prince William, she added: "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."

Since sharing her cancer diagnosis, the royal family have been quick to rally around Kate. King Charles, who is also undergoing treatment of cancer, said in a statement that he is "so proud" of his "beloved" daughter-in-law Princess Kate.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales during their visit to The Prince's Foundation training site for arts and culture in 2022 © Getty Images
The monarch paid tribute to Kate's courage

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, meanwhile, shared a heartfelt statement wishing the royal a speedy recovery. Their message read: "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace".

Harry and Meghan have sent a message of support to the Princess of Wales © Getty Images
Harry and Meghan have sent a message of support to the Princess of Wales

Princess Kate is said to be "extremely moved" by the outpouring of public support. A statement released by Kensington Palace on Saturday read: "The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness' message.

"They are extremely moved by the public's warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time."

Listen...

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Royalty

See more