Harry and Meghan React to Kate Middleton Cancer Diagnosis

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, said Friday that they wish "health and healing" for Kate Middleton in light of the Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis.

"We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace," read the brief statement from Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The Context:

In January, Middleton, 42, underwent major abdominal surgery and Kensington Palace announced that she would not likely return to public duties until after Easter, which caused a slew of online conspiracies to transpire.

What We Know:

Middleton put all the rumors about her to rest on Friday when she announced in a video that while her abdominal surgery was "successful," and, at the time, her condition was non-cancerous, "tests after the operation found cancer had been present."

Middleton said in her statement that her doctors "advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment."

"This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family," she continued. "As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, 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."

The princess also asked for "some time, space and privacy" for her family while she continues treatment. Middleton and William have three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Views:

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reacted to news of Middleton's diagnosis during a briefing on Friday, telling reporters, "We just heard the terrible news, our thoughts are with the Duchess of Cambridge...during this incredibly difficult time. We are incredibly sad."

Ivanka Trump, daughter of former President Donald Trump, also offered her support for the princess in a statement to X, formerly Twitter, and condemned the weeks of "speculation" that followed Middleton before her announcement.

"I am deeply saddened to hear about Princess Kate's diagnosis," she wrote. "Amidst the trials she faces, her strength and grace continue to shine brightly. It's disheartening to see the speculation that has surrounded her, particularly during a time when support and kindness are most needed."

Middleton's younger brother, James Middleton, posted a statement to his Instagram account Friday alongside a photo of him and the princess, writing, "Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too."

What's Next?

While Middleton undergoes her cancer treatment, she said in her video message on Friday that she is "getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.

"Having [Prince] William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both."

A few weeks after Buckingham Palace said that Middleton had undergone surgery in January, the royal family announced that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer following a planned procedure on an enlarged prostate in January.

Charles' wife, Queen Camilla, said on Thursday that the king was "doing very well" six weeks into his treatment.

Meanwhile, Charles and his wife "will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time," the Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.

Update 03/22/24, 5:19 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information and background.