Kate Middleton and King Charles are both currently battling cancer, having announced their diagnoses earlier this year.
Here’s everything we know about their recoveries so far, which sources claim has brought the duo “closer than ever”.
King announces cancer diagnoses
Back in February, King Charles announced that he’d been diagnosed with cancer.
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” a statement from Buckingham Palace said at the time.
They then said that the King would be taking a step back from public-facing duties but would continue paperwork.
“He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” the statement added.
Kate’s cancer diagnosis
Last month, just over a month on from Charles’ diagnosis, Kate announced she’d been diagnosed with cancer too.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London. At the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” Kate said in a video.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventive 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 then added.
Following her announcement, Buckingham Palace released a statement saying that the King was “so proud” of Kate for revealing her cancer diagnosis.
King Charles ‘hugely frustrated’ by cancer diagnosis
Last month, during an interview with Sky News Australia, Peter Phillips – son of Princess Anne – said the King was in “high spirits” amid his cancer battle – however, he has been left “hugely frustrated” by it too.
“He’s frustrated that he can’t get on and do everything that he wants to be able to do,” he said.
“But he is very pragmatic. He understands that there’s a period of time that he really needs to focus on himself,” he then continued.
“But at the same time, he is always pushing his staff and everybody and his doctors and nurses to be able to say, ‘Actually, can I do this? Can I do that?’” he then said.
“So the overriding message would be that he’s obviously very keen to get back to a form of normality. And he’s probably frustrated that recovery is taking a little longer than he would want it to,” he then added.
Camilla’s support
The King’s wife, Queen Camilla, has certainly stepped up since her husband’s diagnosis.
In Majesty Magazine back in February, royal expert Joe Little wrote of how Camilla is a “massive support” to Charles – and how we will now “appreciate” her “true worth” as Queen.
“Camilla has shown for a long time, and we’re very aware now, that she is famed as the power behind the throne,” he wrote.
“She is a massive support in so many ways to her husband the King, only last week we saw that she was holding the fort while he was recuperating at Sandringham,” he then continued.
“I think only now are people appreciating the true worth of Queen Camilla and that will very much be the case in the coming weeks.”
Following Charles’ diagnosis, Camilla has been attending engagements on his behalf.
On Easter Sunday, she was by her husband’s side as they met the crowds following their traditional Easter service in Windsor.
Kate Middleton and King Charles’ daily calls amid cancer diagnosis
According to Vanity Fair, King Charles and Kate are in daily contact amid their ongoing cancer battles.
It’s also been reported that if anything, their cancer diagnoses have brought the King and his daughter-in-law “closer than ever”.
“To be honest, he and William speak very regularly, but now the king calls daily to check in and make sure Catherine is doing OK,” a family friend told the publication.
“She has always had a close relationship with Charles, but this has brought them so much closer. Charles adores Kate and has so much respect for her and the courage she has shown in all of this. He was fully behind her recording the message. He has been buoyed by the many messages of support he has received, and he knew that Kate would get the same support from the public,” they then continued.
When will Kate and Charles return to work?
Elsewhere in the Vanity Fair article, King Charles’ possible return to work was seemingly ‘revealed’.
“It has been a very rocky few months and not how anyone envisaged 2024 taking off, but they are pragmatic and positive. The king is planning to return to public engagements possibly as soon as June,” the source told the publication.
However, Kate’s return to work isn’t known as of yet.
The source said that the Princess of Wales’ focus needs to be on her recovery. They then added that she will be back “in time”, but at the moment, her focus is on getting better.
The source then said that the King and Kate will be travelling to London regularly for appointments amid their cancer battle.
ED! has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment. Kensington Palace declined to comment.
Kate and the King: A Special Relationship airs on Channel 5 and My5 at 9.30pm on Saturday (April 6).
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