The world celebrated when Princess Kate announced that her cancer had gone into remission. Still, sources have revealed that her arduous fight against the debilitating disease has taken a more severe toll than she is prepared to accept since it has robbed her of her enthusiasm for life.
"Kate has been emotionally crippled by the vicious impact the cancer and its treatments have had on her," the insider told The National Enquirer. "She's mentally and physically exhausted and slogging through even the simplest of her duties. Those around her have noticed she has lost her spark and enthusiasm."
Following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year, the Princess of Wales, who is now 42 years old, attended her first public engagement on October 11. This was her first public engagement since completing chemotherapy, ABC News reported. The future Queen of England appears drawn and exhausted in images taken at the ceremony, and dark circles are visible beneath her eyes. These photographs could be considered alarming.
But the devoted mother of three did not let her struggles prevent her from accompanying her husband, Prince William, on a gloomy mission to comfort the heartbroken relatives of three children and a teacher who were killed in a barbaric knife assault on a dancing class with a Taylor Swift theme. She did this without giving prior notice. Kate reportedly decided to join William "to show her support, empathy and compassion to the local community."
However, the source revealed that the "emotional visit" was difficult for Kate, who was already exhausted and becoming a "shell of her former self. "
According to the source, Princess Kate was taken aback by the news that she had cancer when King Charles was diagnosed with his form of the disease. Charles, who is 75 years old, is still going through his cancer treatments, while the courageous beauty has completed her chemotherapy cycle.
According to the source, King Charles does not have much time for his daughter-in-law's predicament.
"William is deeply concerned about Kate, and he's gone to his father looking for support only to find Charles has no patience for her struggles since he's still dealing with his own," a courtier at the palace explained. "His only answer is that both William and Kate need to keep a stiff upper lip and serve as they are duty-bound to do."
The well-known princess has demonstrated her devotion to the crown on numerous occasions throughout her thirteen years of marriage to Prince William. According to reports, she continues her track record of going above and beyond to fulfill her royal responsibilities.
"She's pushing herself to make everyone happy, particularly King Charles, but it's very clear that she's not back to normal," the insider noted.
When Princess Kate announced that she had been cancer-free in a heartfelt video that was broadcast on September 9 and featured her husband, Prince William, 42, as well as their children, George, 11, Charlotte, 9, and Louis, 6, she appeared to be full of life and optimism, as per PEOPLE Magazine.
But she also admitted the "cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable." The source said she's struggling more than she's letting on.
"It's not in Kate's nature to complain, but you just have to look at her to see how drained she is," the insider revealed.
However, the courageous prince will not back down from his position. In a tweet that she published on social media the previous week, she indicated that she had attended an investiture ceremony in an unofficial capacity.
In addition, over the past few weeks, a number of meetings have been held behind closed doors in the Court Circular, which appear to indicate that she is continuing with her business as normal.
"She's putting a lot of pressure on herself," the source said. "She feels like the family, needs her to step up, but of course the worry is she's pushing herself way too hard."
In the meantime, Kensington Palace has revealed that she will most likely be present for the National Service of Remembrance this month and will also be performing her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey in December.
"This should be a time for Kate to take it easy, but that doesn't seem to be allowed," the insider said. "A lot of people are worried her health could suffer in the long run. It's a shame they can't just let her rest!"
Business Times has reached out to Princess Kate and Prince William for comments.
