An eight-year-old girl who won her own battle with cancer after being applauded by the Princess of Wales is “deeply saddened” to learn of Kate’s shock diagnosis.
Mila Sneddon, from Falkirk, Scotland, will approach the future queen “privately” and “in her own way”, her mother has said.
The schoolgirl won the heart of the Princess of Wales after a photo of her in isolation while receiving treatment for leukemia went viral during the Covid pandemic.
Kate met the eight-year-old twice after seeing an image of Mila looking at her father through a window in March 2020.
The Princess of Wales even sent the eight-year-old a handwritten note after she was discharged from the illness two years ago. They met twice in 2021: once at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and then at Westminster Abbey.
Mila Sneddon, who won her own battle with cancer after being cheered on by the Princess of Wales (pictured together in 2021), is “deeply saddened” after learning of the princess’ diagnosis.
Mila’s mother has revealed her daughter’s sadness and support for the Princess of Wales
Kate met the eight-year-old twice after seeing an image of Mila looking at her father through a window in March 2020.
Now, following Kate’s shock announcement yesterday, Mila’s mother Lynda Sneddon told X: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear the news about Catherine.
‘A kind and caring soul who has always stood up for Mila both during and after her treatment.
“Mila is equally saddened to hear this news and will communicate with her privately in her own way.”
In a second post, Lynda added: “We extend our love, support and well wishes to William, George, Charlotte and Louis, and wish Catherine a peaceful speedy recovery #YouAreNotAlone @KensingtonRoyal.”
X user Sara responded to Lynda: ‘I can’t imagine the sadness you feel right now for Catherine and the family. I am 100% sure that Mila will be part of the people who help her heal! Like Catherine did with Mila #YouAreNotAlone.”
Another X user, LunaB, added: ‘Princess Mila, you are so sweet. “You will definitely lift (the) Princess of Wales’s spirits.”
The Princess of Wales revealed in a deeply emotional message filmed at Windsor Castle that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving “preventive chemotherapy”.
She said the news came as a “huge surprise” and that she and William “have been doing their best to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”
Kate underwent major abdominal surgery in January, but the cancer was only discovered during post-operative tests.
Yesterday’s announcement came days after Kate was seen smiling with Prince William as they left their favorite farm shop near their home in Windsor.
The image showed her looking through a window at her father Scott, who had been forced to move out of the family home to protect his daughter.
Mila coordinated with the Duchess of Cambridge by wearing a pink dress for their meeting at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
Mila met the Duchess, first at Holyroodhouse in May 2021, where she also met Prince William.
Mila stayed away from her father Scott and sister Jodie at the height of the Covid pandemic to stay healthy.
Scott, who had to continue going to work during lockdown, returned home every day and stood in the garden to watch Mila smile and blow kisses as she endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy.
He was finally reunited with his father after seven weeks, when he was suspended from work and allowed to return home as a surprise without telling him after a period of isolation.
After seeing the moving image of Mila separated from Scott, the Princess of Wales decided to feature it as one of the 100 photos in her book about confinement, Hold Still.
The schoolgirl spent two years receiving multiple rounds of chemotherapy after she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells and requires immediate treatment, in November 2019, when she was four years old.
Mila first spoke to Kate on the phone after ringing the bell at Team Jack Cancer Center in April 2021 to mark the end of her treatment.
They had their first in-person meeting in May 2021 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and Mila said she was amazed when they both coordinated in pink princess dresses after discussing it in advance.
The Princess of Wales said to the schoolgirl: ‘Hello Mila, look at you. I want to give you a big hug, it’s a pleasure to meet you in person.
Mila then had a second chance to meet Kate and the Royal Family at the Together At Christmas community carol service held at Westminster Abbey in December 2021.
The little girl’s mother said the duchess had a “kind soul” and had made Mila feel comfortable during their meetings.
Six-year-old Mila Sneddon (pictured), from Falkirk, received a handwritten letter from the Duchess of Cambridge after finishing her cancer treatment.
“Those moments made Mila feel really special and were a good distraction from her treatment,” he added.
“She is now recognized as the happy girl who met Kate Middleton and not the poor girl with cancer.”
The schoolgirl has previously referred to the Duchess as her “best friend”.
Sneddon praised Kate on social media as she sent a “beautifully” handwritten letter to mark her daughter reaching the end of her treatment.
She said: “I am so grateful to receive a beautiful handwritten letter from @KensingtonRoyal. Such a lovely keepsake for Mila that she will remember for many years to come (the contents of which will not be revealed). Such a lovely gesture, thank you Catherine Duchess of Cambridge.
Mila’s mother also posted a photo of her beaming with the precious letter.
Kate’s shock cancer announcement yesterday comes after Buckingham Palace revealed in February that King Charles is also battling the disease.
He is receiving a series of treatments and has currently retired from public duties.