Paige Gawley
Kate Middleton is getting worldwide support amid a challenging time. After the Princess of Wales’ announced on Friday that she’s been diagnosed with cancer, celebrities, politicians and members of the royal family spoke out.
Katie Couric reposted Kate’s announcement video on Instagram, writing, “Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is being treated with preventative chemotherapy. As someone who has experienced cancer, I was deeply moved by her comments. Sending her and her family healing thoughts.”
Maria Shriver, alluding to the rampant speculation surrounding Kate’s whereabouts prior to her announcement, wrote on X, “Now I hope everyone will leave her alone and allow the privacy she and her family need.”
Catherine Zeta-Jones posted a photo of Kate smiling on Instagram, writing, “Wales and the World is with you ♥️ HRH Princess of Wales. Love to you always.”
On Instagram, Hoda Kotb shared a quote which read, “Your illness does not define you. Your strength and courage does.” She captioned her post by writing, “Prayers up for Princess Kate.”
Meghan McCain spoke out on X, writing, “America is sending Princess Kate and the entire royal family strength and support during this challenging time. Princess Kate has always been the epitome of class and grace – never more so than now.”
On X, first lady Jill Biden wrote, “You are brave, and we love you.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on X, “My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, her children, and the entire Royal Family following the news of her cancer so courageously shared. On behalf of Canadians, I’m sending my support as she undergoes treatment. We’re all wishing her a swift recovery.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, meanwhile, released a lengthy statement, which read in part, “The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery. She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today.”
As for Kate’s family members, her estranged brother-in-law, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle, released a statement, telling ET, “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
Her brother, James Middleton, took to Instagram to react to the news, sharing a sibling photo from their childhood.
“Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together,” he wrote. “As a family, we will climb this one with you too.”
Olivia Munn, who recently opened up about her cancer battle, commented on James’ post with four white heart emojis. The actress also commented on the princess’ announcement video, writing, “Thank you for showing what it’s like to fight with grace and determination for yourself and for your family. Wishing you all the best. 🤍🤍🤍”
Even King Charles III, who’s dealing with his own cancer battle, weighed in. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson told ET that the monarch is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.” The spokesperson added that Charles has “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks,” and said both royals “will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time.”
Following Kate’s announcement, a source told ET that her husband, Prince William, has been at her side, adding that his primary goal in all of this has been to support his wife and his children. The couple, who tied the knot in 2011, shares Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
While ET has learned that Kate started receiving cancer treatment shortly after her January abdominal surgery, a source told ET that she and William struggled to tell their children because they wanted to shield them as much as possible.
“Children process information in different ways,” the source said. “Their primary concern was to be able to explain this to the children in a way that was reassuring, and they could process.”
Indeed, in her video announcement, Kate, 42, described her diagnosis as a “huge shock,” adding, “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’s appropriate for them and to reassure them that I am going to be OK,” she said. “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.”
A second source told ET that “Kate and her family know she has a long road ahead of her, but she’s staying positive.”
“At the end of the day, Kate’s main concern is her children and she’s doing everything she can to maintain what kind of normalcy she can for them as she battles the disease,” the source added.
Watch the video below for more on the Princess of Wales.
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