Prince Harry was reportedly not informed in advance about Princess Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis. According to The Times of London, there were no conversations with Harry and Meghan Markle before the public announcement. Harry is said to have found out about Kate's diagnosis from television, just like everyone else.
A Kensington Palace spokesman declined to comment on the private conversations.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex showed their support for Kate, 42, after she announced her diagnosis in a video. They expressed their wishes for her health and healing, and hoped that she and her family could find privacy and peace during this time.
Harry, who is 39 years old, reportedly contacted his estranged brother, Prince William, upon hearing about the diagnosis on Friday. According to ITV Royal Editor Chris Ship, "Prince Harry has reached out to his brother, Prince William, after learning of Kate’s cancer." Both Harry and Meghan have privately communicated with their brother and sister-in-law, offering their support. It is uncertain whether this communication took place through a phone call, video call, or messages of support.
Princess Kate and Prince Harry
Princess Kate Middleton and Prince Harry were pictured together in May 2016. Zak Hussein/Corbis via Getty Images.
In a video shared on social media, Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis two months after having planned abdominal surgery and taking a break from public duties.
Kate shared in a video filmed at Windsor Castle that she had major abdominal surgery in London in January. Initially, it was believed that her condition was not cancerous. However, post-surgery tests revealed the presence of cancer.
Following the diagnosis, her medical team recommended a preventative chemotherapy treatment. She is currently in the early stages of this treatment. Kate expressed that the news was a significant shock, and both she and William have been handling the situation privately to protect their young family.
William and Kate, who married in 2011, share Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on the long Walk at Windsor Castle on September 10, 2022 in Windsor, England.
Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle were pictured together in September 2022. Kirsty O'Connor - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Kate shared, "I am feeling better every day as I focus on healing my mind, body, and spirit. We kindly ask for understanding as we take some time for ourselves as a family while I continue my treatment. Working has always brought me joy, and I look forward to returning when I am ready. Right now, my priority is to fully recover."
On Saturday, the Prince and Princess of Wales released a statement expressing their gratitude for the support they have received.
The statement from Kensington Palace on Saturday, March 23, mentioned how touched the Prince and Princess were by the kind messages they received from people in the UK, across the Commonwealth, and around the world. They were moved by the warmth and support shown by the public and appreciated everyone's understanding of their need for privacy during this time.
Editor's P/S:
The news of Princess Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis has sent shockwaves through the royal family and the world. While the public announcement was met with an outpouring of support and well wishes, it is reported that Prince Harry was not informed in advance, learning about his sister-in-law's condition from television. This revelation highlights the ongoing rift within the royal family, with Harry and his wife Meghan Markle having distanced themselves from the institution in recent years. Despite the estrangement, Harry reportedly reached out to his brother, Prince William, after hearing about Kate's diagnosis, indicating a desire to maintain some connection amidst the challenges.
Kate's diagnosis is a reminder of the importance of regular health screenings and the need to prioritize one's well-being. Her decision to share her story publicly could inspire others to seek medical attention when needed and to focus on self-care during difficult times. The support expressed by the public and the royal family demonstrates the power of compassion and empathy, particularly when facing adversity. It is hoped that Kate's recovery process will be smooth and that she will emerge stronger from this experience.