Kate Middleton felt it was her duty to tell the truth about her health and ... trends now
The Princess of Wales has revealed that she felt it was her duty to tell the public about her cancer diagnosis and that she wrote the entire speech herself 'very quickly' to show her 'gratitude for their support'.
Kate Middleton made the emotional announcement, recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, on Friday night and a close friend has revealed the royal's thinking behind addressing the nation.
The friend told The Sunday Times: 'It 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. It was all her, she wrote every word of it, it came together very quickly.
'It wasn't really about the drama of the last few weeks, though obviously that has been upsetting. She felt she had to do it because of who she is. It was more that she knows she is a public figure and has a wider leadership responsibility. She knew she had to share the news because of how it was going to affect her work and her short-term future role, and [it was about] what was the most compassionate way she could deliver the news, so that it would land with the public in the least shocking way.
'A written statement, she felt, would be too jarring. It was about people seeing her, and her reassuring people that she was positive about it. Knowing it was news that was going to shock people, she wanted to do it as compassionately as possible. When things are really tough, that gratitude to the public for their support is their mantra.'
This comes after the Prince and Princess of Wales thanked the public on Saturday night for an overwhelming deluge of love and sympathy which greeted Friday's announcement, adding that they were 'extremely moved' by the support.
The Princess of Wales (pictured in November 2023) has revealed that she felt it was her duty to tell the public about her cancer diagnosis
Kate Middleton made the emotional announcement, recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, on Friday night and a close friend has revealed the royal's motives behind addressing the nation
The friend said: 'It 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' (pictured: Kate in September 2023)
In the heartfelt video message, Kate spoke about the 'huge shock' after tests identified cancer following the surgery and the 'incredibly tough couple of months' her family have experienced, with her voice cracking with emotion at times during the footage.
The form of cancer has not been disclosed but the future Queen began a course of 'preventative chemotherapy' late in February, and is said to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as 'well and getting stronger every day'.
The close friend also felt the message was brought forward after it became clear she would not be returning to royal duties as quickly as the public expected.
Many across the country had been anticipating an update that Kate was getting back to work around Easter.
Another reason for the shock announcement was the Princess feeling she had a duty to spread hope to those experiencing similar conditions and to reassure royal fans across the world.
Kate's desire for privacy was also a factor, the friend revealed. The speculation surrounding a routine trip to her and the Prince of Wales's favourite farm shop in Windsor last weekend was not something she wanted repeated.
And with the couple's three children breaking up for the Easter holidays this week, the timing meant the diagnosis did not hit the news while they were at school.
Lambrook School's three-week holiday began on Friday afternoon, just as the media were being informed of the imminent announcement.
This comes after the Prince and Princess of Wales (pictured in 2020 with Prince George, left, Prince Louis, centre, and Princess Charlotte, right) thanked the public on Saturday night for an overwhelming deluge of love and sympathy which greeted Friday's announcement
It has been confirmed that the family will not attend the Easter service in Windsor next Sunday
Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, all attend the school in Berkshire.
Another friend expressed frustration that Kate was forced into posting such an honest message after a barrage of rumours and conspiracy theories across social media.
It is thought that the Princess made the decision to reveal the diagnosis herself but that it had the full backing of her husband despite his reported regret that she had felt compelled to do it.
On Saturday night, Kate said she felt 'extremely moved' by the widespread support which greeted the courageous announcement.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said on Saturday: 'The prince and princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her
