Catherine, Princess of Wales
The timing of her cancer revelation was no coincidence
Catherine, Princess of Wales
© WPA Pool/Getty Images
At exactly 6 p.m. British time, Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced the news that would shock the entire world: Prince William’s wife is suffering from cancer. The Royal apparently chose the time to announce the devastating message for a thoughtful reason.
It was an announcement that no one had expected. Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, addressed the world with a video message on Friday, March 22, 2024, at exactly 6 p.m. British time. The wife of the heir to the British throne has cancer – and with her touching statement she puts an end to the endless speculation in recent weeks.
Catherine, Princess of Wales responds to speculation
Kensington Palace published their shocking announcement on its Twitter account. Kate’s father-in-law King Charles, 75, went public with his diagnosis at the beginning of February – also at 6 p.m. An intentional parallel that has an understandable reason.
“In January I had major abdominal surgery in London and at the time it was thought I didn’t have cancer. The operation was successful. However, post-surgery scans revealed that cancer was present.” Kate’s words sent shock waves. Shortly after her abdominal surgery, which was made public on January 17th, Kensington Palace gave the all-clear: no cancer. A bitter fallacy.
Now the Princess of Wales is sitting on a wooden bench, surrounded by blossoming nature in the beginning of spring. She is wearing a striped shirt and jeans and appears fragile. Kate might have to react. Since her operation, there has been wild speculation about her condition. The palace, Prince William, 41, and other relatives remained silent.
Photos of the royal in the car alongside her mother Carole Middleton, 69, or her husband fueled nasty rumors. The portrait of Kate and her children taken by the heir to the throne for British Mother’s Day made headlines thanks to subsequent image editing – and the Waleses’ recent purchase, which was secretly filmed by a visitor to the farm shop, also contributed to a discussion in the media and the Internet that spiraled out of control.
Your statement was timed
It’s 6pm in the UK when Kate shares her sad secret. Parallel to the BBC’s six o’clock news. No coincidence, as “Express” explains. The local press was already informed in advance; the wording of the Princess of Wales’s shocking news was available to them and was embargoed. Publication was only allowed to take place at the announced time. This gave the media time to calmly put the unexpected into words for the world.
Catherine reported that she is currently undergoing preventive chemotherapy. She had just started the treatment and was in the early stages. She does not reveal what type of cancer it is. But she provides a touching insight into her family situation in this unsettling, almost frightening phase of uncertainty.
Her family is her rock
“I needed time to recover from major surgery in order to begin my treatment. But most importantly, it took time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that was appropriate for them and to reassure them that that I will get well again.”
Kate appears strong – and yet her vulnerability, her emotional turmoil is palpable. “I told them that I was fine and that I was getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that helped me get well – in my mind, in my body and in my consciousness.” The family is her anchor. “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance. As is the love, support and kindness that so many of you have shown me. It means so much to both of us.”
Sources used: express.co.uk, twitter.com