Kate Middleton Had a Sweet Message Strictly Come Dancing Star Amy Dowden During Cancer Battle
Kate Middleton, Amy Dowden Andy Cheung;Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images(2)
Before being diagnosed with cancer, Princess Kate Middleton showed her support to Strictly Come Dancing pro Amy Dowden during her own health struggles. Dowden, 33, shared on the Wednesday, April 24, episode of the U.K.'s talk show Loose Women that she had the opportunity to meet Princess Kate during her chemo treatment. She expressed her gratitude for the time and kindness Princess Kate showed her, mentioning that Princess Kate even offered to help in any way possible.
In May 2023, Dowden, a professional dancer on the British version of Dancing With the Stars, received the diagnosis of stage three breast cancer. Following this, she underwent a mastectomy and underwent chemotherapy in the fall of 2023.
A few months later, Kate, who is 42 years old, also received a cancer diagnosis, although the specific type has not been disclosed.
Kate shared in a video released by Kensington Palace in March that she had a major abdominal surgery in London in January. Initially, it was believed that her condition was non-cancerous. Despite the successful surgery, post-operation tests revealed the presence of cancer. As a result, her medical team recommended a course of preventative chemotherapy, which she has started in the early stages.
The Princess of Wales mentioned that both she and [Prince] William have been handling the situation privately to protect their young family. The process of coming to terms with the news and managing it has taken time. Kate needed time to recover from the surgery before beginning her treatment.
Kate and William have three children together: Prince George, who is 10 years old, Princess Charlotte, who is 8 years old, and Prince Louis, who is 6 years old. Specific information regarding Kate's diagnosis and treatment has not been disclosed to the public.
Upon hearing about Kate's diagnosis, Dowden was able to understand and sympathize with how the entire Wales family is dealing with this news.
During my treatment, my parents hardly slept. I remember the moment I received the news, seeing the pain in their eyes. My sister even joked that Dad would finally get some rest now. They would always express their willingness to trade places with me if they could.
It was especially tough for her to go through all this publicly, with three young children to take care of. I wouldn't wish this illness on anyone. It's still a fresh wound for me, and reliving it brings back all the emotions. Cancer is just so cruel, and I hope no one else has to experience it.
Kate is not the only member of the royal family currently battling cancer. Her father-in-law, King Charles III, and his former sister-in-law Sarah Ferguson are also undergoing respective treatments.
Editor's P/S:
The article serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact cancer can have on individuals and their families. Princess Kate Middleton's diagnosis, following her support for Amy Dowden during her own cancer journey, highlights the stark reality that no one is immune to this cruel disease. Dowden's empathy and understanding towards Kate's situation speak to the universal bonds that form in the face of adversity.
Moreover, it is commendable that Kate and her husband, Prince William, have chosen to handle their family's situation privately, prioritizing the well-being of their young children. Their decision reflects the importance of navigating such challenging times with sensitivity and discretion. The article also underscores the prevalence of cancer within the royal family, emphasizing the urgency for continued research and support for those affected by this disease.