Effective Ways for Kate Middleton to Discuss Her Personal Cancer Journey with Her 3 Children: Expert Insights

How Kate Middleton Can Speak to Her 3 Kids About Deeply Personal Cancer Battle

Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Kate Middleton Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Princess Kate Middleton has prioritized her three children during her cancer journey. She chose to wait until Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis were informed about her diagnosis before sharing it publicly.

Beth Blakey, the executive director and chief operating officer of nonprofit Cancer Hope Network, suggests that there are simple ways for Kate, 42, to talk to her kids about her condition.

“There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to personal decisions like this. Princess Catherine, Prince William, their children, and their families are the ones who should be involved in making these choices,” Blakey shared exclusively with We. It is crucial to handle the conversation with care, honesty, and provide information that is suitable for their age.

Kate and William, who have three children - George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and Louis, 5, wanted to keep the news private until they could discuss it with their kids. A source revealed to Us that the royal couple wanted to give their children time to understand and process everything before the news became widely known.

Blakey’s Cancer Hope Network, based in New Jersey, aims to provide one-on-one support to cancer patients, their families and caregivers.

How Kate Middleton Can Speak to Her 3 Kids About Deeply Personal Cancer Battle

Kate Middleton Andy Cheung/Getty Images

One common advice from Cancer Hope Network Peer Mentors is to take time to process your emotions before having a conversation. This will help you be emotionally prepared and stay calm during the discussion. It is important to choose a safe, private, and interruption-free time and place for the conversation. Use simple and clear language that matches your child's age and level of understanding.

Blakey recommends that parents, such as William and Kate, should be honest and focus on providing reassurance to their children.

She suggests letting the children know that they are loved, cared for, and will be taken care of. It is important to remind them that there are many people, like doctors and nurses, who are working to help their mom or dad get better. Encourage the children to ask questions and reassure them that it's okay if you don't have all the answers. Let them know that feeling scared, sad, or mad is normal, and it's important for them to express their emotions.

Kate shared her diagnosis in a video posted by Kensington Palace on Friday. She mentioned that she and William talked to George, Charlotte, and Louis in a way that they could understand and reassured them that she will be okay.

Blakey emphasized that her advice is general because every family is different and each child may react differently. If a child is having a hard time adjusting, Blakey suggests expressing emotions in a healthy way, such as through mindfulness or yoga, setting achievable goals, seeking professional help or counseling, or finding humor in the situation.

The princess has decided to prioritize her health and will be cancelling public appearances until she is cleared by her doctors. This decision was announced in a statement released on Friday, which was the first time the royals addressed her health condition in detail since her successful abdominal surgery in January.

According to Blakey, the princess's public statement was a brave move as a mother trying to shield her children from the increasing public scrutiny that was causing them additional stress during a difficult time for their family. Research shows that stress can have a negative impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Therefore, she clearly set boundaries not only as Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales, but also as a mother and wife.

Prince William and other family members have been supporting and should keep supporting her wishes for privacy. Their goal is to reduce the pressures and stress she faces in order to focus on her treatment, healing, and life after surviving cancer.

Editor's P/S:

Princess Kate Middleton's decision to prioritize her children's well-being during her cancer journey is a testament to her unwavering love and commitment as a mother. By choosing to inform her children about her diagnosis before sharing it publicly, she demonstrated her concern for their emotional and mental health. The advice provided by Beth Blakey of the Cancer Hope Network emphasizes the importance of honesty, age-appropriate communication, and providing reassurance to children in such situations. Kate's decision to cancel public appearances until cleared by her doctors further highlights her focus on her health and recovery, setting an example of prioritizing self-care and seeking support during challenging times.

The article underscores the emotional toll that cancer can take on families, particularly children. By sharing her diagnosis publicly, Kate has raised awareness about the importance of open communication and support for cancer patients and their loved ones. Her bravery in addressing this issue serves as a reminder that it is possible to navigate difficult health journeys with grace, courage, and a unwavering commitment to family.