In a show of support amid a difficult time, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly reached out to Prince William and Kate Middleton following the announcement of the Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis. The contact, which was made privately, comes as the royal family rallies around the 42-year-old princess, who revealed her health struggles in an emotional video message on Friday.
According to ITV Royal Editor Chris Ship, "Prince Harry has reached out to his brother, Prince William, after learning of Kate's cancer. Harry and Meghan have both been in touch with their brother/sister-in-law but did so privately." The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped down as senior royals in January 2020 and moved to California, were among the first to publicly express their sympathies and well-wishes.
In a statement to Us Weekly, Harry and Meghan said, "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace." The couple's interaction with the Prince and Princess of Wales marks a significant gesture, given the reported tensions between the brothers and their wives in recent years.
The relationship between Harry and William has been strained since 2019, following Harry's wedding to Meghan and their subsequent decision to separate their royal households and step down from public duties. The brothers have rarely been seen in each other's company, and Harry's memoir, "Spare," shed light on their feuding.
However, the royal family appears to be setting aside their differences in the face of Kate's health crisis. King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed their pride in the Princess of Wales "for her courage in speaking as she did," with Buckingham Palace noting that the monarch, who was himself diagnosed with cancer in February, remains in the "closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law."
In her video message, Kate revealed that she had undergone a successful abdominal surgery in January, but subsequent tests found that cancer had been present. "My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I'm now in the early stages of that treatment," she explained, acknowledging the "huge shock" and the "incredibly tough couple of months" for her family.
The princess and her husband, Prince William, waited to publicly disclose the diagnosis until they had a chance to share the news with their three children - Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 - after their school went on Easter break. Kate reassured her family and the public that she is "well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body, and spirits."
Kensington Palace has stated that Kate will only return to her official duties after doctors clear her to do so, with the palace noting, "She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery." Prince William is expected to balance supporting his wife and family while maintaining his official duties, as he has done since the start of the year.
Leaders and politicians from across the world have rushed to send messages of support to the Princess of Wales, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stating that the princess has the support of the whole country as she undergoes chemotherapy treatment. Canadian leader Justin Trudeau also expressed his thoughts and support, writing on X (formerly Twitter), "On behalf of Canadians, I'm sending my support as she undergoes treatment. We're all wishing her a swift recovery."
As the royal family navigates this challenging time, the outpouring of love and support from both within the family and around the world serves as a testament to the admiration and respect held for the Princess of Wales. While the road ahead may be difficult, the unity and strength demonstrated by the royal family in the face of adversity offer hope and comfort during this trying period.
