How the World Is Reacting to Kate Middleton’s Cancer Diagnosis

World leaders and others have been sharing messages of support for Kate Middleton after she announced Friday that she was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.

"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," the Princess of Wales, 42, said in a pre-recorded video filmed at Windsor.

Kate said the cancer was discovered in post-operative tests after she had abdominal surgery in January, prompting her withdrawal from public life as she began treatment in late February. Kensington Palace is not sharing the reason she had surgery in the first place, or what kind or stage of cancer she has. The diagnosis follows that of her father-in-law, King Charles III, who announced his own cancer diagnosis and treatment in early February.

Read More: Olivia Munn Sends Message of Support to Fellow Cancer Sufferer Kate Middleton

The Princess of Wales is set to return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team, while her husband, Prince William, will continue to balance supporting his family and maintaining his official duties, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said in a statement. 

Here’s what Kate’s family, world leaders, and others have said about her cancer diagnosis, with many offering support to the Princess and urging the public to give her privacy while she recovers.

Family 

King Charles III

The King said through a Buckingham Palace spokesperson that he is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did" and has "remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks” following their time in the hospital together. The spokesperson added that Charles and his wife Queen Camilla “will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 

Kate Middleton’s brother-in-law, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle issued a statement as well: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”

James Middleton 

Kate’s younger brother James Middleton posted a childhood photo with his sibling on Instagram, captioned: “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.”

Gary Goldsmith 

Kate’s maternal uncle Gary Goldsmith posted on X (formerly Twitter) his support for his niece and addressed the timing of an article where he discussed his family that was published in The Times Magazine on Saturday. He said on Friday that the interview and photo shoot was done more than a week ago and went to print “before I was aware of the sad news regarding my niece Kate.”

“My thoughts and prayers are with Kate and the wider family at this difficult time and deeply upset at the timing of this article. I hope this draws a line over the continued speculation and horrible conspiracies. Let’s give Kate, William, and the children time and show some love back,” he wrote. 

Goldsmith also said he wouldn’t be attending the U.K. Celebrity Big Brother finale Friday night, despite being a contestant on this year’s series.

Charles Spencer 

Charles Spencer, who has the title Earl Spencer, is the brother of Princess Diana, the late mother of Kate’s husband Prince William. In a post on X, he praised Kate’s “incredible strength and poise.”

Sarah Ferguson

The Duchess of York, Prince Andrew's ex-wife, posted a message on X referencing her own battles with cancer and saying "everyone is praying for the best outcome" for Kate. "I am full of admiration for the way she has spoken publicly about her diagnosis and know it will do a tremendous amount of good to raise awareness," she wrote.

World leaders, church heads, and politicians

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

Sunak was among the first to wish the Princess well, commending her “tremendous bravery” in a post on X, and requesting that she is “afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”

Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf

Yousaf said in a post on X that he is “praying for her swift recovery” and is “deeply saddened” to hear about the cancer diagnosis. “It must be an incredibly difficult time for the whole family. Royalty or otherwise, she has a right to privacy, which I hope will be respected.”

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill 

O’Neill also posted on X: “I am very sorry to hear the news of the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis. I send her my best wishes and the strength for her treatment, and a full and speedy recovery. A special word of thought to her young family at this challenging time.”

Archbishop of Canterbury

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who previously warned the public against engaging in conspiracy theories surrounding the Princess of Wales, extended his best wishes to the royal following her cancer diagnosis reveal.

In a post on X, he wrote: “My prayers are with The Princess of Wales, The Prince of Wales, and their children at this tremendously difficult time. I join the whole country, and the world, in praying for her full recovery. I take this opportunity to praise her for her spirit of optimism in the face of such difficult news, and am pleased to hear that she is feeling stronger every day. Her bravery in sharing in this way and her continued commitment to supporting others speaks to her compassion and sense of service.”

Wales’ First Minister Vaughan Gething 

Gething, who recently became the Welsh leader, posted on X that he was: “Deeply saddened to hear the news about HRH The Princess of Wales. On behalf of people across Wales, I would like to send our love and support to the Princess and her family at this very difficult time. All of our thoughts are with you as you continue your treatment.”

U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden

Biden reposted Kate’s video message on X and wrote that his wife “Jill and I join millions around the world in praying for your full recovery, Princess Kate.” 

Jill Biden also reshared Kate’s message on X, adding: “You are brave, and we love you.”

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre
The White House press secretary told reporters that “our thoughts are with [Kate] … during this incredibly difficult time, and certainly we wish her a full recovery and I think it important that we respect her privacy.”

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 

Trudeau posted on X that his thoughts were with Kate, her children, and the entire royal family “following the news of her cancer so courageously shared.” 

“On behalf of Canadians, I'm sending my support as she undergoes treatment. We're all wishing her a swift recovery,” he posted.

British Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer 

Starmer wrote in a post on X that Kate has “the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too.” He added that the Royal Family is entitled to privacy and space, and referenced the public frenzy over Kate’s absence from public life this year: “I can only imagine the added stress of receiving that news amid the lurid speculation we’ve seen in recent weeks.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan 

Khan said in a post on X: “On behalf of Londoners, I wish the Princess of Wales a swift recovery as she undergoes treatment. My thoughts are with her and her family. Cancer has an impact on so many of us—and her bravery in sharing her diagnosis will help raise awareness and encourage others to get checked.”

Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Johnson posted on X: “Wishing Catherine, the Princess of Wales, all possible strength and sending good wishes to her and her family for a full and rapid recovery.”

French President Emmanuel Macron 

Macron joined with his wife to wish Kate well in a post on X: “In this difficult period you are going through, Brigitte and I wish you a full recovery. Your strength and resilience inspire us all.” 

Celebrities

Ivanka Trump 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s daughter said on X that she was “deeply saddened” to hear the news and called out the scrutiny that preceded the announcement. 

“Amidst the trials she faces, her strength and grace continue to shine brightly. It's disheartening to see the speculation that has surrounded her, particularly during a time when support and kindness are most needed,” Ivanka Trump’s message read. “During this challenging period, my thoughts and prayers are with Kate and her family. I hope for her swift and full recovery, and I look forward to seeing her continue to inspire and make a positive impact in the lives of others. Let us all show our support by respecting her privacy and focusing on sending positive thoughts her way.”

Meghan McCain 

The daughter of former U.S. Sen. John McCain, who died of cancer in 2018, wrote on X that “America is sending Princess Kate and the entire royal family strength and support during this challenging time.” She added that “Princess Kate has always been the epitome of class and grace—never more so than now.”

Katie Couric

The journalist, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, empathized with Kate in an Instagram post: “Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is being treated with preventative chemotherapy. As someone who has experienced cancer, I was deeply moved by her comments. Sending her and her family healing thoughts.”

Catherine Zeta-Jones 

The Welsh actor, who rose to prominence for her role in The Mask of Zorro, shared her support with the Princess of Wales on Instagram: “Wales and the World is with you… Love to you always.”

Zeta-Jones also commented on Kate’s video posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram account: “Your strength and grace is unwavering, you are in my thoughts.”

Entities  

Westminster Abbey 

Westminster Abbey, the storied London church where Kate and William were married, wished the Princess of Wales well in a post on X and on the church’s website. 

“In the face of this news, it is our hope that Her Royal Highness will feel sustained by the love that surrounds her and find renewed hope in the prayers that we offer,” the Dean of Westminster Abbey, the Very Reverend Dr. David Hoyle, said in a statement.

Wimbledon 

The All England Tennis Club, which runs the annual Wimbledon tennis tournament, posted on X saying that the thoughts of everyone at the club were with its Patron, the Princess of Wales, and her family. 

“We wish The Princess of Wales the very best as she takes the time she needs to make a full recovery,” the post read.