The Princess of Wales was inspired to reveal her cancer diagnosis after the warm response to the King doing the same six weeks earlier, royal sources have claimed.
Kate and Charles are known to have formed a strong bond in the 13 years since her marriage to her son, Prince William, when she was welcomed into the Royal Family.
And this relationship is said to have been “cemented” in recent weeks when both royals were at the London Clinic for operations at the same time in January.
Then they were both diagnosed with cancer in February, although Kate delayed her public announcement until last Friday to tell her children at a time that was “right for them.”
Kate also referenced “all those whose lives have been affected by cancer” in her public video message last week, adding: “You are not alone.” And this has been seen as a clear nod to her father-in-law, as well as millions of other cancer sufferers.
Kate and Charles during a visit to a medical rehabilitation center in Loughborough in 2020
Charles greets Kate at a Commonwealth war graves cemetery in Ypres, Belgium, in July 2017.
Speaking about why Kate decided to go public, royal commentator Michael Cole told MailOnline today: “The decision was hers alone and she was encouraged to make it by witnessing the public reaction to the news of the King’s cancer, published by the Palace of Buckingham.”
“The outpouring of concern around the world, with messages of support flowing in an endless stream of kindness and encouragement, took the King by surprise, as did Queen Victoria, who wrote in her diary how shocked she was when people shouted that loved her as she led the crowds to her Golden Jubilee in 1887.’
Cole, a former BBC television royal correspondent, added: “Kate has grown closer to the king, who has repeatedly referred to her as ‘my beloved daughter-in-law’. As such, she was well aware of the public response to the revelation.” of the King’s cancer and how it had affected him.
He continued: “The tone was absolutely correct, with no false emphasis or hint of histrionics: simply calm, dignified, direct, very much like the princess herself.”
“The King was one of the few people who could see the young woman, sitting alone on a bench in her Breton sweater and blue jeans, in front of daffodils in full bloom, a traditional symbol of spring and new life.”
Cole added that Charles was known as “One Take Wales” in his youth due to his ability to speak directly to the camera, known as a “stand-upper” in the television industry.
Meanwhile, a royal source said The times: ‘A factor in their (Kate and William’s) decision to go public would have been the great warmth and affection received by the King as a result of their announcement.
“It meant a lot to him. In a way, he served as a model.”
Another palace source told the Daily Telegraph: ‘You can both empathize with what the other is going through, which helps in a difficult time like this.
“What we’ve seen in recent weeks is that the fact that they were both going through the same health experience cemented that bond.”
Last Friday, Buckingham Palace said the King was “very proud” of Kate for her bravery in speaking out about her cancer diagnosis and that he remains in “close contact with his beloved daughter-in-law.”
Charles and Camilla have publicly offered their love and support to Kate, the Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as the family tries to come to terms with the news.
The monarch, 75, feels great affection for the princess, who has been part of the life of his eldest son, the Prince of Wales, for more than 20 years.
Charles and Kate share a love of art, gardening and the outdoors, but now, sadly, their bond extends to a shared cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
Kate and Charles smile as they visit the Dulwich Picture Gallery in south London on March 15, 2012.
Charles and Kate speak at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in March 2022
The King and Queen knew the news about Kate’s health in advance and knew that she was preparing to broadcast her video message.
Buckingham Palace said: “Her Majesty is “very proud of Catherine for her bravery in speaking out as she did.”
“After spending time together in hospital, Her Majesty has remained in close contact with her beloved daughter-in-law over the past few weeks.”
“Both Their Majesties will continue to offer their love and support to the entire family at this difficult time.”
The king, who took the throne 18 months ago, is undergoing his own cancer treatment, and Camilla said last week that he was “doing very well”.
He continues his duties as head of state behind the palace walls, conducting audiences and meetings of the Privy Council.
But he has postponed all public engagements after beginning treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer in February.
He spent three nights in the hospital for a prostate enlargement procedure, during which time his cancer, not prostate cancer, was discovered.
Charles and Kate hug at the premiere of ‘No Time To Die’ in London in September 2021
Kate and Charles iron artwork on silk at the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London on March 15, 2012.
Online rumors about Kate’s health and whereabouts intensified after William missed, at very short notice, the memorial service for his godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece, on February 27.
It is now understood that the Prince’s decision not to attend was related to his wife’s condition, but it is not known exactly when the Princess was informed of the positive cancer test.
More speculation was sparked after the princess admitted to “editing” her official Mother’s Day photo which had irregularities.
Another development was an investigation launched by the UK’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, into allegations that there were attempts to access Kate’s private medical records at the London Clinic where she had surgery.
It is not known how long Kate will receive treatment, but it is understood that she may be willing to attend events when she feels able to do so, in accordance with medical advice, although this will not indicate a return to full-time duties.
William will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since his operation.
Charles and Catherine at St Paul’s Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving to the Queen in June 2022
Kate spoke of the ‘enormous shock’ that the cancer diagnosis caused her in a video released last Friday.
The prince will return to public duties after his children return to school following the Easter holidays.
He and his wife will not attend the royal family’s traditional Easter Sunday service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, which the King hopes to attend with the Queen if his health permits.
It is not likely to be a large family gathering or service, according to The Telegraph, as Charles has suspended his public-facing royal duties.
Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK said high-profile cancer diagnoses like Kate’s lead to a “significant increase” in public awareness.
The charity’s executive director of policy, Dr Ian Walker, said there was a “surge” in traffic to its website following announcements from royal figures such as the King and Princess.
He added that high-profile diagnoses like Kate’s on Friday night could have “real positive effects.”