How King Charles 'learnt' from 'beloved daughter-in-law' Princess Kate amid cancer
It's been one year since Kate's abdominal surgeryPrincess Kate underwent abdominal surgery one year ago on January 16 before it led to her cancer diagnosis.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Princess of Wales had undergone the operation on January 16, 2024. Then, in March of last year, Kate released a video message as she confirmed her cancer diagnosis.
She began chemotherapy treatment and announced she had completed it in September 2024. In January 2025, Kate, 43, shared her “relief” over being in remission.
Last year was tough for the royal family as King Charles was also diagnosed with cancer. Both he and Kate were candid about their health battles. According to a royal butler, the monarchy is now being “more open” and “showing off their human side”.
Princess Kate’s abdominal surgery led to cancer diagnosis
In her cancer announcement last year, Kate said: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful.
“However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
At the time, King Charles, 76, praised his “beloved daughter-in-law” for sharing her diagnosis.
Throughout last year, Kate was open about her cancer treatment and was praised by many for speaking out. King Charles did the same and, as he continues his treatment this year, has been open about his health.
Former royal butler to Charles, Grant Harrold, has exclusively told Royal Insider that the king has “learnt” from Kate during this time.
Royal family ‘being more open’ with the public
Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, Grant told us: “The royal family is 100 per cent being more open with the public and showing off their human side, which has really increased in the past few years.
“But I still believe that all this change began with Princess Diana all those years ago and that they are still learning from her.
Charles would’ve learnt from Kate, just like he learnt from Diana.
“She completely changed the royal family and how the public perceived them and that has been instilled in William and Harry, which William is continuing with Kate. And Charles would’ve seen how popular Diana was and even the late queen to an extent. Diana, along with Sarah Ferguson, was instrumental in modernising the royal family.”
Grant went on to say that Kate has “within reason” kept everyone updated. He said this is “unprecedented and shows a much more modern approach to royal life from this next generation”.
How King Charles has ‘learnt’ from Kate
Grant continued: “With the way the world now works that is a necessity. Kate has managed to successfully fight this away from the public eye while also keeping everyone in the loop.
“The public never really got to see any of that before and it helps the public warm to them and see them as humans. Charles would’ve learnt from Kate, just like he learnt from Diana.
Read more: Princess Kate ‘like Diana’ as she shares ‘genuine hug’ with cancer patient during hospital visit
“I think the way they’ve opened up about personal and health matters as well as showing off their sense of humour and caring side at times, it shows they are a very modern royal family.”
He added to us: “The public love that and it’s very clever and good PR and will help secure the role of the royal family for many generations to come.”
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