How Kate Middleton's family 'reacted' to the news of her cancer diagnosis speaks volumes
Kate Middleton's family were her support networkIt’s clear looking back at modern royal history, Princess Kate Middleton‘s family have been there for her through thick and thin, and her cancer diagnosis was no different.
The Princess of Wales announced to the world she had cancer on March 22, 2024, and it’s been a whirlwind 12 months for her. From cruel conspiracy theories flooding the internet to navigating how to protect her family during the toughest years she’s faced yet – Kate faced it all.
But how did Kate Middleton’s family help her stay strong throughout the ordeal?
Kate Middleton’s family were by her side after cancer diagnosis
In early March, sources close to The Firm detailed how Kate Middleton’s mum Carole had been “staying with her to help her recuperate” following her planned abdominal surgery.
A photo captured the two riding in a car on the Windsor estate with Carole behind the wheel. Seeing as this was before the news of her diagnosis, it’s not hard to imagine how her parents were close by after being told she had cancer.
It’s clear 43-year-old Kate is close with her siblings Pippa and James, and they proved that themselves after her video came out.
37-year-old James, Kate’s brother, used his social media to support the princess.
Sharing a throwback picture of the siblings, he wrote on the same day the clip was released: “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.”
Pippa ‘shares the load’
Whereas sister Pippa also jumped in to support her sister, proving Kate Middleton’s family really was a strong unit.
An insider claimed the ordeal had brought the sisters closer together – even though they were close already. Pippa was Maid of Honour at Kate’s wedding in 2011, and the duo have been seen at Wimbledon together several times throughout the years.
The source said: “They were already genuinely best friends, but this gruelling year has seen them grow even closer.
“Pippa has been something of an angel and backbone for Catherine. She’s there at the drop of a hat, helping to pick up the slack on physical tasks when needed. But it’s the emotional support she provides that is invaluable to Catherine.”
Kate Middleton’s mum ‘kept the family’ together
Then another report came which shed light on Carole Middleton’s role following Kate’s cancer diagnosis being cemented in royal family history.
“Carole has been the driving force keeping the family together with minimum fuss and maximum modesty,” it’s believed.
“She’s ferried and fetched George, Louis and Charlotte, taken them to school sports matches and given them endless support. She’s been a real Mary Poppins-like figure.”
It wasn’t just Kate either, she acted as a ‘rock’ for William as well who was at his ‘lowest’ after discovering his wife’s diagnosis.
It’s also believed Carole was among the first to hear of Kate’s health news.
Uncle says princess handled diagnosis ‘incredibly well’
Kate’s uncle, Gary Goldsmith, who enjoyed a stint in reality TV with Celebrity Big Brother, came out a week after the princess’ diagnosis to praise his niece.
He said: “I have been in touch with my sister Carole [Middleton] to make sure my niece is okay. I thought Kate handled it incredibly well, especially in such a difficult and tricky situation.
“I don’t know anybody else who’s had to deal with something like that, deal with their children and then have to offer explanations to the national and international media in such a public scenario.”
Although, as history unfolded, Kate Middleton’s uncle caused a stir before her cancer diagnosis was revealed due to his cryptic comments while on the reality TV show.
His time on the series came before she announced she had been diagnosed with cancer.
While discussing Kate’s absence and the conspiracy theories surrounding where she was, Love Island star Ekin-Su Culculoglu asked the burning question.
“Where’s Kate?” she quizzed.
Gary replied: “So because she doesn’t want to talk about it…The last thing I’m going to do is…There is the kind of code of etiquette, if it’s announced, I’ll give you an opinion.”
He then added Kate’s “getting the best care in the world”.
This sparked more rumours about the princess instead of squashing them.
King Charles bond
The 43-year-old developed a strong bond with father-in-law and monarch King Charles last year.
His Majesty revealed he had been diagnosed with a type of cancer weeks earlier in February, after undergoing a routine procedure for an enlarged prostate. Although Buckingham Palace had disclosed he had been diagnosed with the disease, they would not reveal what type he has.
Charles said he was “so proud” of the Princess of Wales for having the “courage” to share her news.
The palace also explained the pair had been in ‘close contact’ following the diagnosis.
Prince William was Kate’s rock
We can’t forget her right-hand man, Prince William!
The future king stepped back from official duties to support Kate and their children through the ‘brutal’ year they endured.
Kate completed her chemotherapy treatment in September and went into remission early 2025.
In a heartfelt message, she paid tribute to William and the support they received during the past 10 months.
She wrote at the time: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.
“I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.
“My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.”
Read more: Inside Princess Kate’s ‘new normal’ after cancer remission news and how she’ll return to duties
It’s said he took on the school runs each day, and then juggled royal life when he returned back to work after Easter.
In November 2024, he opened up over the tough year he and wife Kate Middleton faced together as a family.
During a trip in South Africa, he admitted: “It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.
“I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
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