The difficult message Kate had 'no choice' in sharing with the world
The Princess of Wales was forced into making a huge decision about her family, which royal experts believe was a real challenge as a mother.
When Kate Middleton shared her cancer diagnosis with the world in March 2024, the news came after weeks of speculation and conspiracy theories.
"It surely doesn't get much more difficult than explaining you have cancer to your children," royal broadcaster and author Duncan Larcombe told The Mirror.
In March 2024, Kate Middleton publicly confirmed she had cancer, an announcement experts believe she had no choice in. BBC Studios
"But you get the impression William and Kate have handled it really well. They are so hands-on and nothing seems strained or awkward with their kids. All three are clearly hugely loved and well-balanced, and they are a real credit to their parents."
When it came to sharing the news publicly, Larcombe claims it wasn't something she was ready to do at the time.
"There was so much online speculation and conspiracy theories about her, so she had no choice," royal commentator Katie Nicholl tells the latest OK! Royal Special.
"I think it forced her into announcing it before she was ready, at a time when she was trying to come to terms with the most devastating news any of us can get."
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When Kate spoke about the cancer diagnosis, she explained telling the children in an appropriate way had been a focus. PA Images via Getty Images
In Kate's video announcing that she had cancer, she explained that she and Prince William had made their children the priority.
"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 said.
At the time the children were 10, eight and five respectively.
In a video message shared in September 2024, the Princess of Wales confirmed she had finished cancer treatment. YouTube/The Prince and Princess of Wales
While it was a difficult thing to do, it's clear both Kate and William have put their family first. Kensington Palace
Katie believes that Prince Louis would have been "too young to understand how serious it was" and if she could, Kate would have shielded the kids for longer.
In September last year, Kate released a second video where she shared that she had finished chemotherapy.
The video featured clips of the family tramping through the woods, enjoying a picnic and spending time in the sand dunes.
Throughout her treatment and the months following she took a step back from royal duties and has been slowly easing back into things.
She has made some appearances with her children though, like attending Wimbledon with Charlotte along with other more private holidays like over Christmas and the February half-term break.
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