When Princess Kate, the future Queen of the United Kingdom, had to record a video announcing her cancer diagnosis, she had to overcome her inherent shyness to deliver a message that was "sincere, dignified, and poised," according to royal author Sally Bedell Smith.
"She is inherently shy, and for her to do that took a lot," Bedell Smith told People magazine, praising the Princess of Wales for her forthright approach in the emotional video message.
In the video, which Kate uploaded to her and Prince William's social media accounts on March 22, the 42-year-old royal shared the news that she had undergone major abdominal surgery in January, and tests after the operation had revealed that she had cancer. She explained that her medical team had advised her to undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and that she and Prince William had been "doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family."
Despite her natural shyness, Bedell Smith noted that there "was not a trace of self-pity" in Kate's message. "She was mindful there are very few people who read about that or watched that who [don't] know someone who has cancer. She was mindful of that," the author observed. "It was a way of reassuring people not only about her condition but helping them have courage."
The video's release was timed to coincide with the start of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis' Easter holidays, in an effort to shield the children from non-stop press coverage of their mother's condition while they were at school.
According to US Weekly, a friend of the Princess revealed that Kate "wrote every word of it," which 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." The friend added that the video "came together very quickly."
Bedell Smith drew a parallel between Kate's closing remarks - "You are not alone" - and a similar sentiment expressed by the late Queen Elizabeth II during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she said, "We are all in this together." The royal author noted that this phrase "rang a bell" and reflected Kate's desire to reassure and support others affected by cancer.
King Charles III, who is also currently battling cancer, was said to be deeply moved by Kate's courage and candor. In a statement, the palace shared that "His Majesty is so proud of Catherine for her courage and speaking as she did. Following their time in hospital together, His Majesty has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks."
The statement also noted that "Both their Majesties will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family throughout this difficult time."
Kate's decision to share her diagnosis publicly, despite her natural shyness, has been widely praised as a powerful and empathetic gesture. By opening up about her own health struggles, the future Queen has demonstrated her commitment to supporting those affected by cancer and her ability to connect with the public in a sincere and relatable manner.
As the Royal Family navigates this challenging time, Kate's strength and resilience in the face of adversity have once again shown her to be a compassionate and dedicated leader, willing to put the needs of others before her own. Her candid announcement has resonated with people across the United Kingdom and beyond, solidifying her position as a beloved and admired member of the monarchy.
