All Kate Middleton’s Cancer Support From Celebrities

By
News for today
-
0
13

The Princess of Wales has cancer. The news was revealed by the royal herself in a measured video statement released on Friday. It has hopefully put an end to months of speculation and wide-ranging conspiracy theories that had gained traction during her absence from public life following major abdominal surgery in January.

In her 371-word statement, Kate said, following her previously announced successful surgery in January, tests had revealed that cancer was present. She added that, in late February, she began a course of preventative chemotherapy and had been taking time to process the “shock” of her diagnosis with husband Prince William.

Together, Kate added, the couple had taken time to explain the diagnosis to their three children: Prince George, 10; Princess Charlotte, 8; and Prince Louis, 5.

“I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits,” the princess said, before paying tribute to her husband, and to well-wishers who had sent their support. Kate also stressed her wish for privacy while she focused on her recovery.

In the wake of the announcement, made at 6 p.m. U.K. time (2 p.m. ET), messages of support flooded social media from around the world.

Here, Newsweek looks at the messages of support sent to the princess from fellow royals, celebrities, a global figures in the wake of her cancer diagnosis.

Composition image showing the Princess of Wales (center) and (left to right): Ivanka Trump, Blake Lively, the Duchess of Sussex and Catherine Zeta Jones. Kate has received an outpouring of support on social media since…


Karwai Tang/WireImage/Ethan Miller/Getty Images/Cindy Ord/WireImage/Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images/Mike Marsland/WireImage

Royal Family

Following Kate’s announcement on March 22, statements were issued from Buckingham Palace in London, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and the princess’ brother, James Middleton.

King Charles and Queen Camilla

One of the first statements of support for Kate came from Buckingham Palace, on behalf of her father-in-law, King Charles III. He himself was diagnosed with cancer in February and has been undergoing regular treatment.

“A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that His Majesty, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, was ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did,'” the Daily Telegraph reported.

“The spokesman added that the King had ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.'”

The newspaper added that the palace relayed: “Both the king and the queen ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time.'”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also released a statement following Kate’s announcement.

The princess’ California-based in-laws said they wished her “health and healing.”

“We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” their statement read.

James Middleton

Kate’s younger brother, James Middleton, took to Instagram to post an emotional tribute to his sister.

“Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together,” he posted with an accompanying photograph of the siblings as children.

“As a family, we will climb this one with you too.”

Celebrities and Notable Figures

International figures from the celebrity, sports, charity and activism spheres have also voiced their support for Kate through social media.

Ivanka Trump

Ivanka Trump was among the first celebrities to post in support of Kate, following the royal’s cancer announcement.

Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Trump said she was “deeply saddened” to hear the princess’ news and condemned the recent “speculation” that has been spread about her health and wellbeing.

Blake Lively

Actress Blake Lively was among a small group of celebrities who poked fun of Kate on social media following a scandal that erupted on March 10. It was revealed that the princess had edited a portrait of herself and her children, which was released to celebrate Mother’s Day in Britain.

We now know that, at the time the photo was reportedly taken and edited, Kate had begun her preventative chemotherapy treatment.

Lively posted her regret at her involvement in the jokes to her Instagram story on Friday, saying she was “mortified.”

“I’m sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this,” Lively wrote. “I made a silly post around the ‘photoshop fails’ frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today. I’m sorry. Sending love and well wishes to all, always.”

Dame Joan Collins

British actress Dame Joan Collins paid tribute to Kate during a red-carpet appearance in London on Friday evening.

“I think we’re all going to pray for her. And I think she is going to survive,” Collins said.

“She’s going to come out of this feeling strong. She’s young, and I think she was very, very brave to make the announcement herself. Very brave. Very unusual for a royal to do that and I have great admiration for her, as a woman, as a person.”

Linda Yaccarino

X CEO Linda Yaccarino took to the platform to share her own tribute to Kate, in which she appeared to reference the negative attention and conspiracy theories spread about the princess by users in the past weeks.

“A brave message delivered by Princess Kate, with her signature grace,” she wrote.

“Her request for privacy, to protect her children and allow her to move forward (without endless speculation) seems like a reasonable request to respect.”

Katie Couric

Veteran journalist and cancer survivor Katie Couric took to Instagram to post her admiration for Kate’s decision to address her diagnosis so openly.

“Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is being treated with preventative chemotherapy,” she said. “As someone who has experienced cancer, I was deeply moved by her comments. Sending her and her family healing thoughts.”

Hoda Kotb

Broadcaster Hoda Kotb also added her support for Kate on Instagram. She posted the quote “your illness does not define you. Your strength and courage does,” with the personal comment: “Prayers up for Princess Kate.”

Mia Farrow

Actress Mia Farrow posted her “prayers” for “lovely Princess Kate” and her family to her personal X account on Friday evening.

“Prayers for a swift and complete recovery for lovely Princess Kate and for everyone and every family now dealing with a tough diagnosis,” she said.

Maria Shriver

Maria Shriver joined voices calling for Kate’s privacy in the wake of her diagnosis.

“Now I hope everyone will leave her alone and allow the privacy she and her family need,” she posted to X.

Meghan McCain

Meghan McCain paid tribute to Kate as the “epitome of class and grace,” sending the royal “strength and support” via a post to X.

Catherine Zeta Jones

Welsh-born actress Catherine Zeta Jones sent her love to the princess over Instagram.

“Wales and the World is with you ♥️ HRH Princess of Wales. Love to you always,” the Oscar winner wrote.

Billie Jean King

Via her X account, tennis legend Billie Jean King sent “love, support and best wishes” to Kate, whom she has been photographed with on a number of occasions over the years that the princess has been patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Association.

Gareth Southgate

Another sports world tribute came from Gareth Southgate, the manager of England’s national soccer team.

“We just wanted to send our thoughts and best wishes to her and all of her family,” Southgate said during a press conference. “Remarkably dignified statement that she gave. We obviously have a very close relationship with the family so we’re very upset to hear the news but hopefully everything goes well.”

Fearne Cotton

British radio DJ and broadcaster Fearne Cotton took to her Instagram account to post a tribute to Kate, while also criticizing press and social-media coverage the princess has faced in recent weeks.

“The press have long dehumanized people for the sake of a headline,” she said. “It’s become normal for us to gossip and speculate about people we know little about. Let this be a reminder that we rarely know what’s really going on with anyone.”

Giovanna Fletcher

Giovanna Fletcher, creator of the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast that Kate was interviewed for in 2020, also denounced the “speculation” “conspiracies” and “entitlement” that have surrounded Kate since her surgery.

“The Princess of Wales has always led with dignity, grace and compassion. Working alongside her always gives the greatest lessons in how to care. How to listen. How to ‘human’,” she posted on Instagram.

“I’m thinking of our future Queen and hope she can now be left with nothing but everyone’s good wishes as she continues her treatment and surrounds herself with the love of her family.”

World Leaders

Among the messages of support from celebrities and members of the public, a number of global political figures also issued statements on Kate’s diagnosis.

Rishi Sunak

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a lengthy tribute to Kate’s statement about her health, writing that she has shown “tremendous bravery,” and highlighting her right to “privacy.”

“The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country,” he posted to X.

President Biden and the First Lady

The President sent his good wishes to Kate via an X message.

“Jill and I join millions around the world in praying for your full recovery, Princess Kate,” he said.

Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron responded to the video of Kate’s speech posted to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official X account.

“Your Highness, In this difficult period you are going through, Brigitte and I wish you a full recovery,” he wrote. “Your strength and resilience inspire us all.”

Justin Trudeau

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau set support from the people of Canada via a statement issued to his official X account.

“My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, her children, and the entire Royal Family following the news of her cancer so courageously shared,” he said.

“On behalf of Canadians, I’m sending my support as she undergoes treatment. We’re all wishing her a swift recovery.”

Anthony Albanese

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the princess’ “extraordinary courage” in his statement.

“My thoughts, and those of Australians, are with the Princess of Wales and her family following the news of her cancer diagnosis,” Albanese posted to X.

“The Princess of Wales has shown extraordinary courage with her public statement today, in which she expresses her concern for others.”

Archbishop of Canterbury

The Church of England’s most senior clergyman The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby also joined in sending his “prayers” for Kate.

“My prayers are with The Princess of Wales, The Prince of Wales and their children at this tremendously difficult time. I join the whole country, and the world, in praying for her full recovery,” Welby said.

“I take this opportunity to praise her for her spirit of optimism in the face of such difficult news, and am pleased to hear that she is feeling stronger every day. Her bravery in sharing in this way and her continued commitment to supporting others speaks to her compassion and sense of service.

“Please join with me in praying for The Royal Family as they deal with this private matter and I would urge people to respect their privacy at this time,” Welby added.

James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.

Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.