Inside Princess Kate's strong bond with King Charles and how they supported each other during cancer battles
Charles described Kate as his "beloved daughter-in-law" last yearKate, Princess of Wales, shares a close bond with her father-in-law King Charles, and that only strengthened last year when they both underwent treatment for cancer.
The Princess of Wales, who is celebrating her 43rd birthday today (January 9), completed her treatment in September 2024. At the time, she said she was focusing on staying cancer-free.
The king, meanwhile, is still undergoing treatment for his cancer. But how have the pair supported each other throughout their health ordeals? Let’s have a look.
Princess Kate shares close relationship with King Charles
The princess and the monarch have always shared a close relationship. Over the years, we’ve seen them share sweet moments together and the king has always spoken highly of his daughter-in-law.
On January 9, King Charles and Queen Camilla penned a sweet message to celebrate Kate’s birthday.
But when they were both diagnosed with cancer last year, it seems their bond became even stronger.
King Charles announced his cancer diagnosis in February 2024. Meanwhile, Kate shared hers in March.
At the time of Kate’s news, the king issued a statement and praised the Princess of Wales for speaking out.
He said he was “so proud” of Kate for having the “courage” to share her diagnosis. Buckingham palace also confirmed he was in the “closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law”.
How Kate and Charles supported each other through cancer ordeals
Meanwhile, after Kate‘s news went public, reports claimed that King Charles had an “emotional” lunch with Kate at Windsor Castle.
A source told The Sun at the time: “It is highly unusual for just the two of them to sit down together like this. The king had already been made aware that the woman he calls ‘my beloved daughter-in-law’ had cancer.
There’s no doubt that cancer has cemented an already strong relationship.
“They would have had lots to discuss and share because just weeks earlier the king had begun his course of treatment and dealt with announcing his diagnosis.”
The insider added: “The king left his lunch feeling very emotional. They are very close and he thinks of Catherine as his daughter. There is no doubt there is a lot they can share and can use each other for support during their own deeply personal cancer battles.”
Elsewhere, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond previously said that the king and Kate’s relationship may have been “cemented” by their joint health ordeals.
Read more: King Charles and Queen Camilla celebrate Princess Kate’s birthday with sweet message
She told OK! days after Kate’s cancer announcement: “I noticed in the king’s statement of support after Kate’s broadcast he said he was in the ‘closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law’.
“I was struck by the fact that he didn’t say close, but closest. There’s no doubt that cancer has cemented an already strong relationship.”
Are you a fan of the royal family? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial.
