It had come as a “huge shock”,she said,looking into the camera. “William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”
Loading
“Most importantly,” she added,“it has taken us time to explain everything to George,Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.”
They are the words of comfort that countless parents have offered to their own children as they face their own diagnosis.
“As I have said to them,” she said,voice strengthening,“I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind,body and spirits.”
She looked forward to returning to royal duties when she was able,she said,relaying that she “must focus on making a full recovery” before pausing,eyes lowered,for a breath.
It was only as she drew the message to its conclusion,with thoughts for the wider public,that the princess seemed on firmer ground.
William and Catherine with their children in a Christmas photo released in December 2020.Credit:Matt Porteous/Kensington Palace/Getty
“I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer,” she said,royal professionalism and a knack for public feeling kicking in. “For everyone facing this disease,in whatever form,please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
The final sentence,enough to bring tears to the eyes of anyone watching,echoed the reassuring tones of the late Elizabeth II during times of trouble for the nation.
This news,though entirely personal to the princess and her family,will have left many of those watching – thinking of their own young children or adult daughters – shaken.
Some will have been examining their consciences after weeks of rampant speculation about her health,whereabouts and home life.
Others would have taken a moment to consider Prince William,who lost his mother at the age of 15 and is now helping his three young children through news that,however carefully delivered,is every parent’s nightmare.
The Waleses have made no secret of their decision to put the emotional welfare of their children at the centre of their lives,decisions and duties. That warm family environment,with its emphasis on talking and sharing,will now be more important than ever.
As the late Diana,Princess of Wales,was embraced by the nation as its “Queen of Hearts”,so her daughter-in-law’s dignified public statement will cement her in its thoughts.
Catherine was already loved by a nation. Her news and its thoughtful delivery will see it unite behind her in sympathy,admiration and hope.
The Telegraph,London