23 May 2024 , 14:13
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Princess Kate has stayed mostly hidden from public view since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March. In contrast, her father-in-law the King has been seen on a number of occasions, and recently returned to his official duties despite still undergoing treatment. And now insiders have revealed the poignant reason behind their different approaches.
Mum-of-three Kate bravely shared her health battle in a personal video in which she said that post-operative tests had found cancer. It came a month after the King's own diagnosis was announced by the Palace in a statement that revealed he "remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible".
Both Charles and Kate have been undergoing treatment for the disease - although it has not been confirmed which type of cancers they are facing.
Reflecting on Kate's continued absence from public life, a source told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden: "King Charles very much wanted to be seen by the public while he was undergoing his own cancer treatment – but this has not been the case for his daughter-in-law, however disappointing that might be for her admirers.
"As Sovereign, His Majesty is in a very different position from the Princess of Wales. There is no need for her to be seen while she's recovering."
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Earlier this month, William shared a reassuring update on his wife during a two-day visit to southwest England. The Prince of Wales visited St. Mary's Community Hospital on the Isles of Scilly when hospital administrator Tracy Smith said: "May I ask how Princess Kate is doing?" she said.
William responded that Kate is "doing well." And when asked about his children— George, Charlotte, and Louis — he joked: "The children are very jealous that I am here… Maybe we might come later in the year."
The couple shared a joint post in honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, writing on X via the Kensington Royal account: "This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek we've brought together the inspirational Sam Stables from We Are Farming Minds and the brilliant Farmer Will for a very special film.
"Spending a day together on Sam's farm in Hereford they chatted about mental health in the farming community, finding support and the Duchy of Cornwall's Mental Health Strategy."
While the Princess does not personally appear in the video, which can be viewed in full on YouTube, it was produced by both herself and William.
Kate's work behind the scenes comes after Charles, 75, began public-facing duties again at the end of last month.
Despite reports that he would be undertaking a reduced summer schedule, just last week the monarch undertook five engagements in the space of 48 hours.
Kate last addressed the public in her poignant video, during which she asked for space and privacy as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy.
She explained that it took time to appropriately explain the situation to her and Prince William's three young children – George, 10, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six.