Prince William Speaks Out & Makes Moving Two-Word Promise About Kate's Cancer Diagnosis

Apr 23, 2024

Early 2024 saw the British royal family rocked by news of serious health issues. Buckingham Palace announced on Jan. 17, 2024, that King Charles III was scheduled to undergo hospital treatment the following week for an enlarged prostate. The next day, his wife, Queen Camilla, said Charles was feeling “fine” and “looking forward to getting back to work.” 

That same day, Kensington Palace revealed in a statement that the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, had undergone abdominal surgery that had been scheduled the day prior at the London Clinic. It said the surgery had been “successful” and that the princess would remain at the hospital for a 10–14-day recovery period. 

News of the pair’s hospitalization led to an outpouring of well wishes and support from their supporters across the world. However, things turned out to be as saddening as anyone could have expected.

In February 2024, it was revealed that King Charles III was diagnosed with cancer. Following that, the public became very interested in knowing how Kate had been doing after she hadn’t been seen publicly for some time. After weeks of speculation, Kate squashed the rumors and appeared in a tearful video announcing her own cancer diagnosis. 

Meanwhile, Prince William has also taken the time to be by his family’s side following the announcement of Kate's condition. Only on April 18, 2024, did he return to public duty, where he was met with crowds wishing the king and Kate well. On that same day, William made a moving promise to a local woman who wanted to give Kate and King Charles a well-wishes card. Keep reading to learn more about the sweet interaction. 

As Charles and Kate took time off from their royal duties, other family members stepped up in their absence, particularly their respective spouses, Queen Camilla and Prince William. With the support of their loved ones, Charles and Kate were given the time and space to prioritize their recovery. Facing their health challenges together, they have also comforted each other. 

In the same hospital, Charles reportedly visited Kate at her bedside. The day before Kate announced her cancer diagnosis, she and Charles shared a private lunch. After sharing the news with the world, a Buckingham Palace representative said the king was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did” and that he “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.” 

According to royal watchers, the pair have always shared a strong bond. Author Robert Hardman told Hello! Magazine:

“It's very clear that (Charles is) extremely concerned about her. I think he wants to make sure as much as he can that if there's anything he can do, he will do, because for a very fit and healthy young mother, this is a different order of magnitude to someone having to deal with this in their 70s.”

During this challenging time, the Princess of Wales has also found comfort in her family and friends. According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, Kate has a “really tight group of friends and, particularly in Norfolk, really close friends there. But I think the real anchors in her life are her parents and her brother James... and her sister Pippa.”  

“While you certainly don't see them photographed together very often, they are very much there in the background. They are absolutely fundamental,” she added.

After news of her hospitalization broke, the public also expressed their sympathies and concerns for Kate, even writing letters to her. Among them was social media user @AllemarieHoll1, who recounted her surprise at receiving a response from Kensington Palace after sending Kate a get well soon letter. 

“Today I received this beautiful acknowledgement and I can honestly say I shall treasure this my entire life,” the user shared alongside a photo of a “Thank You” note from the Waleses’ office. “The envelope has Kensington Palace on the back lol hubby thought he was going to have to get his suit out for a garden party (silly him) but he is just as blown away as I am to received this beautiful, and much treasured card,” the user wrote. 

Many commended the princess for her thoughtful response, prompting the user to remark that it  “made me feel even more emotional.” 

“All that she is going through and to think of those that sent a card or note or letter … I just feel truly honoured,” the user added.

It appeared Kate was still in good spirits to undertake some small duties while in the hospital. Broadcaster Kate Garraway said she also received a letter of condolences from the princess after the passing of her husband, television host Derek Draper, from COVID-19 complications.

“Catherine and William sent a beautiful letter, and I know Catherine has been in hospital herself,” she said, adding, “it was lovely of them to reach out to me.”

With more optimistic news surrounding Kate’s health being reported, some have started to wonder whether she could, even as she continues her cancer treatment, return to some public-facing duties soon. 

Weeks later, some experts raised the prospect of Kate returning to her duties earlier than expected. Royal correspondent Cameron Walker said due to “the princess's cancer diagnosis, she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy at the moment,” but suggested the princess may feel up to the task of taking on a few appearances should she feel like it.

“What I am hearing from those close to the Princess is that she may well decide to attend certain events if she feels up to it, and if she's keen to go,” Walker said.

However, he dismissed the likelihood of Kate resuming the full extent of her duties any time soon.

"But in terms of a return to full-scale public duties and as a full-time working royal, I suspect that will take some time,” he remarked.

Despite this, Walker remained optimistic about seeing the princess up and back on her feet as soon as her doctors allowed her.

“But perhaps, maybe we’ll see her at some point this summer. But it just honestly depends on how her treatment goes.”

On March 28, 2024, Daily Express captured a photo of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ helicopter leaving Adelaide Cottage in Windsor. 

“Princess Kate and William snapped in helicopter on way to spend Easter break at Anmer Hall,” the caption said. 

According to Entertainment Tonight, Kate, William, and their children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Loius – were headed to Anmer Hall, which is located on Sandringham Estate. 

A Kensington Palace official also confirmed, as reported by Express, that Kate wouldn’t be reappearing to resume her royal duties after Easter Sunday. The spokesperson shared: "The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery."

As the news of King Charles and Kate’s diagnosis puts another big dent in the future of the British monarchy, reports have now surfaced that the Waleses are feeling anxious about Charles’ health condition, which may lead to William ascending the throne sooner than expected. 

Former Vanity Fair and The New Yorker editor Tina Brown revealed that William and Kate have experienced intense turmoil behind the scenes.

“The almost simultaneous news of Charles’ cancer has put William and Catherine in frightening proximity to ascending the throne just when they had hoped for a span of years to parent their children out of the public eye. The prospect of it, I am told, is causing them intense anxiety,” Brown wrote.

William and Kate’s possible quick ascendancy to the throne could yield differing outcomes. However, they wouldn’t worry about the support and trust of the public because they have touched many lives in the past during their tenures as Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. 

Blackpool resident Paul Philip Roberts told BBC she had an inspiring encounter with the then-Duchess of Cornwall, Kate, in 2019. Shortly after undergoing lung cancer surgery, Roberts met Kate, who was visiting Blackpool Tower at the time to tour for a series of projects focused on regeneration. 

"She did a walkabout, William went on one side and she came the other side, she came to my side, and we were chatting for a good five minutes. I was saying, 'my life has changed', it was so difficult, you've got to go through every emotion,” Robert recalled about his interaction with Kate. “She said 'just keep going' and she gave us a hug,” Roberts added. "She wished me all the luck in the world and she listened. She cared, and that's one thing that struck me – she cares."

On April 18, 2024, William publicly appeared and helped load food and cooking equipment at the food and distribution charity Surplus to Supper in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey. One of the volunteers, 71-year-old Rachel Candappa, interacted with William and handed him two get-well-soon cards for Kate and King Charles. 

A visibly moved William thanked Candappa: “Thank you, you are very kind.” Just as the helper asked William to look after his wife, he placed his hand on her shoulder and promised: “I will.” 

According to an interview with Candappa on The Mirror, she revealed that the night before, she wondered if she would have a chance to give the card directly to palace officials – not knowing that she would hand them personally to William. 

"I said 'can I shake your hand?', I loved it, he was very down to earth. I'm never washing my hand again,” she added. 

Candappa also shared with the publication the contents of her letter to Kate. 

"Nation's hearts were broken when you very courageously went on the global stage on your own to talk about your personal health issues. With no trimmings or flowering around issues, you gave the chance just few chosen words to assure anyone who cares to listen that you will fight this dreadful "C" disease. You must have had a lot of steel in you to hold it together,” she wrote. "Your Royal Highness you are going to beat this with the support of your dutiful and loving husband, caring parents and very close siblings. It's no miracle not only His Majesty the King but the whole world is proud how you are focusing on to keep healthy and protect your children through this difficult times. You have not stepped a foot wrong to date and don't let anyone say otherwise. The whole nation will be behind you."

Are you a fan of Prince William and Kate Middleton? What can you say about Prince William’s promise to look after his wife? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends and other loved ones out there!