NEWS

Kate’s desperate to keep things normal

In a heartfelt video, the Princess Of Wales revealed she’s been diagnosed with cancer – here, royal expert Katie Nicholls reveals how the last few months have taken their toll

After weeks of conspiracy theories and riddles over Kate Middleton’s health, the nation was left heartbroken last week when the sad truth was finally revealed that the Princess Of Wales had been dealt a devastating cancer diagnosis.

Kate, who had planned abdominal surgery on 16 January, bravely opened up to the nation in an emotional video – which was released last Friday – believed to have been timed to coincide with the start of her children’s Easter school holidays.

In the official video, Kate, 42, said the diagnosis had come as a “huge shock”, explaining, “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 treatment.”

And in an emotional moment, Kate – mum to Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five – revealed how she broke the news to her children with the support of her husband Prince William – describing him as a “great source of comfort and reassurance.”

SADNESS

Though the news was met with shock and sadness, it seems that Kate is doing well and is hoping for a full recovery, revealing in the video, “I am well and getting stronger every day”. Although it is understood she will be stepping back from public duties for the foreseeable future.

Understandably, insiders say the Royal family were left devastated by Kate’s diagnosis, especially as King Charles is also receiving treatment for cancer after being diagnosed earlier this year. In a statement released by the King, he said he was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did”.

Having kept a low profile since Christmas, with only two brief paparazzi sightings, royal watchers were surprised when Kate was spotted at a local farm shop last week. She was seen walking along with Prince William at the Windsor Farm Shop near their Adelaide Cottage home, and onlookers remarked that she looked “happy, healthy and relaxed”.

DISMAY

Her appearance came three days before allegations that a staff member at the London Clinic, where the princess underwent her surgery in January, had tried to hack into Kate’s medical records. It’s the latest saga in a testing time for the princess, who has faced constant – often outlandish – speculation and claims about her condition, her whereabouts and her marriage.

Katie Nicholl, author of Kate: The Future Queen, told Closer prior to the latest offic