The Princess of Wales was inspired to announce her cancer diagnosis after the warm response when the King did the same six weeks earlier, royal insiders claim.
Kate and Charles are known to have formed a strong bond in the 13 years since her marriage to his son Prince William, when she was welcomed into the royal family.
And this relationship is said to have been ‘cemented’ in recent weeks as both senior royals were at the London Clinic at the same time for operations in January.
They were then both diagnosed with cancer in February, although Kate delayed her public announcement until last Friday to tell her children at a time that was “good for them.”
Kate also referred to “all those whose lives have been touched by cancer” in her public video message last week, adding: “You are not alone.” And this was seen as a clear nod to her father-in-law and millions of other cancer patients.
Kate and Charles during a visit to a medical rehabilitation center in Loughborough in 2020
Charles greets Kate at a Commonwealth war cemetery in Ypres, Belgium, in July 2017
Royal commentator Michael Cole today told MailOnline why Kate decided to make it public: ‘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, released by Buckingham Palace.
‘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 surprised she was by people shouting that they loved her while she drove on. the crowd to her Golden Jubilee in 1887.’
Mr Cole, a former BBC correspondent, added: ‘Kate has become close to the King, who has repeatedly called her ‘my beloved daughter-in-law’. As such, she was acutely aware of the public reaction to the revelation of the King’s cancer and how it affected him.”
He continued: ‘The tone was absolutely right, without false emphasis or hint of histrionics: just calm, dignified, uncomplicated – just like the princess herself.
‘The king was one of the few people who got a sneak peek of the young woman, sitting alone on a bench in her Breton sweater and jeans, in front of the full bloom of daffodils, a traditional symbol of spring and new life.’
Mr Cole added that Charles was known as ‘One Take Wales’ in his youth because of his skill at talking directly to the camera, known as a ‘stand-upper’ in the TV industry.
A royal source said this in the meantime The times‘A factor in their (Kate and William’s) decision to make it public is said to have been the great warmth and affection the King received as a result of his announcement.
‘It meant a lot to him. In a way it provided a template.”
Another palace source told the Daily telegram: ‘They can both empathize with what the other is going through, which helps in a difficult time like this.
“What we’ve seen over the last few weeks is that because they’re both going through the same health experience, this bond is strengthened.”
Last Friday, Buckingham Palace said the King was “so proud” of Kate for her courage in speaking out about her cancer diagnosis and that she remains “in closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law.”
Charles and Camilla have publicly expressed their love and support for Kate, the Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as the family tries to come to terms with the news.
The 75-year-old monarch is very fond of the princess, who has been part of the life of his eldest son, the Prince of Wales, for more than twenty years.
Charles and Kate share a love of art, gardening and the outdoors, but now their bond unfortunately 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 will speak at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in March 2022
The King and Queen were told the news of Kate’s health in advance and were aware that she was preparing to broadcast her video message.
Buckingham Palace said: His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage to speak as she did’.
“Following their time together in hospital, His Majesty has “remained in close contact with his beloved daughter-in-law in recent weeks.”
“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 treatment for cancer, and Camilla said last week that he was “doing very well”.
He continues his duties as head of state behind the palace walls, presiding over audiences and meetings of the Privy Council.
But he has postponed all public appointments after starting treatment for the undisclosed form of cancer in February.
He spent three nights in hospital for a procedure on an enlarged prostate, during which time his cancer – and not prostate cancer – was discovered.
Charles and Kate embrace at the London premiere of ‘No Time To Die’ in September 2021
Kate and Charles ironing artwork on silk at the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London on March 15, 2012
Rumors online about Kate’s health and whereabouts increased after William missed the memorial service of his godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece, on February 27 at very short notice.
It is now clear 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 test for cancer.
Further speculation arose after the princess admitted to ‘editing’ her official Mother’s Day photo, which contained irregularities.
In a further development, the UK’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, launched an investigation into allegations that attempts had been made to access Kate’s personal medical records at the London Clinic where she was operated on.
It is not known how long Kate will receive treatment, but it is understood she is keen to attend events when she is able, in accordance with medical advice, although this does not mean she will return to full-time work.
William will continue to balance supporting his wife and family with carrying out his official duties, as he has done since her surgery.
Charles and Kate at St Paul’s Cathedral for a thanksgiving service for the Queen in June 2022
Kate spoke of the ‘huge shock’ of being diagnosed with cancer in a video released last Friday
The prince is expected to return to public duties after his children return to school after 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, where the king hopes to attend with the queen if his health allows.
According to The Telegraph, it likely won’t be a large family gathering or service as Charles has suspended royal duties.
Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK said high-profile cancer diagnoses such as Kate’s are leading to a ‘significant increase’ in public awareness.
The charity’s executive director of policy, Dr Ian Walker, said there had been a ‘surge’ in traffic to the 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.”