A Wave of Support
Buckingham Palace has been inundated with tens of thousands of get-well-soon cards and gifts for the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. This overwhelming support follows her brave disclosure that she is undergoing cancer treatment. The palace’s correspondence team has been deeply touched by the immense love and encouragement for Kate, 42, who recently shared an emotional video message about her preventative chemotherapy treatment.
Princess Kate Steps Back
On June 17th, 2023, Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales returned to Buckingham Palace after the Trooping the Colour ceremony in Westminster, London. To focus on her treatment and recovery, Princess Kate has withdrawn from public life. This decision is also meant to protect her young family. Despite her absence, public support continues to pour in, with thousands of cards, letters, and gifts arriving at the palace.
Handling the Overflow of Correspondence
Although the Prince and Princess of Wales have a private office at Kensington Palace, all royal family letters are managed by the Court Post Office. The team has been overwhelmed by the surge in correspondence, aiming to respond to every well-wisher eventually. Normally, the palace receives about 1,000 letters weekly, but this number has skyrocketed since the announcement of Kate’s health issues.
Health Update and Hospitalization
In January, Kate was unexpectedly hospitalized for major abdominal surgery, spending two weeks at The London Clinic before returning home. By March, after widespread speculation about her health, she confirmed that what was initially thought to be a non-cancerous condition was, in fact, cancer. She emphasized the need to focus on her recovery and her children, requesting privacy during this challenging time.
Recent Appearances
On June 27th, 2023, the Princess of Wales was seen waving from her navy blue Range Rover in Southampton after opening the Hope Centre, a facility supporting women. Although there hasn’t been an official health update, Princess Kate has been spotted with her family more frequently, which many view as a positive sign. However, Kensington Palace reiterated that she still needs time and space to recover fully.
Commitment to Public Service
At the launch of a significant report by her early years business taskforce, a Kensington Palace spokesman clarified that these sightings should not be seen as a return to work. A senior royal aide emphasized that Princess Kate remains committed to her public service and will return to her duties when medically cleared. The palace stressed the importance of allowing her the privacy and time needed for recovery.
Kate’s Own Words
In her emotional video statement, Princess Kate shared:
“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding while I have been recovering from surgery. It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family. But I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and 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. My medical team, therefore, 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. 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.
As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body, and spirits. Having 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.
We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to being back when I am able. But for now, I must focus on making a full recovery. At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
A Request for Privacy
Queen Camilla and Princess Kate at the Sovereign’s birthday ceremony, Trooping the Colour, on June 17, 2023. Princess Kate’s heartfelt message highlighted the importance of privacy for her and her family during this difficult time. She expressed gratitude for the public’s support and looked forward to returning to her duties once she has fully recovered. Her message also offered hope and solidarity to others battling cancer, reminding them that they are not alone.
