Just days after Prince William shared a rare Kate Middleton health update, a close friend of the couple is sharing how the couple is really faring after the news of Kate’s cancer diagnosis.
According to the couple’s friend Amaia Arrieta, a designer who has been dressing the family for over a decade, The Prince and Princess of Wales have been having a hard time dealing with the diagnosis despite putting on a brave face for the public. “I’m heartbroken at the moment,” Arrieta told The Telegraph on May 2, 2024. “I think they are going through hell.” She went on to add, “I hope they will be back. It’s really personal.”
Arrieta’s update came just two days after Prince William was asked about his wife’s health following a visit to the charity James’ Place Newcastle on April 30, 2024. During his walkabout, the Prince of Wales was stopped by a royal fan, who asked about Kate’s condition. “Do you mind if I ask how your wife and children are?” the woman asked, to which Prince William replied, “We’re all doing well, thank you.”
The woman continued, “And obviously Catherine?” William answered a second time, “We’re all doing well.”
The Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis on March 22, 2024. Her diagnosis came shortly after undergoing a planned abdominal surgery in January 2024. While the surgery was successful, post-operative tests discovered the presence of cancer. Her medical team recommended she begin preventative chemotherapy, and in her announcement, Kate revealed she was in the early stages of this treatment.
Despite much speculation about her condition in the weeks leading up to her announcement, the mother of three delayed sharing the news of her diagnosis—in part so that she and Prince William could properly explain her condition to their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. “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,” she shared at the time. “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.”
Kate also expressed her gratitude for the support she received, making special shout out to her husband. “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too,” she said. “As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”
The news of Kate’s diagnosis came just over a month after Buckingham Palace announced that her father-in-law, King Charles, was also undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer following a routine prostate procedure. “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,” the palace said in a statement on February 5, 2024. “His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual.”
The monarch has since returned to work, having attended three public royal engagements during the week of April 29, 2024. Princess Kate, meanwhile, is continuing her recovery in private.
