King Charles and Queen Camilla have both been informed of 'beloved daughter in law' Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis, sources say - as monarch continues his own battle against the disease

King Charles and Queen Camilla have both been informed of their 'beloved daughter in law' Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis.

The King is continuing his battle with cancer as the Princess of Wales revealed she is also fighting the disease.

Kate revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer in an unprecedented video address.

The King was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer following hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate earlier this year, which was unrelated.

It is understood that the King and the Queen have both been informed of the news.

Royals rarely visit each other in hospital but in a clear signal of how strong the bond is between the King and Kate, Charles spent a few moments at her bedside earlier today. 

A source said it had been 'an incredibly tough couple of months for the entire family' and it had been important for the princess to come to terms with her diagnosis, to recover from her surgery and begin her pathway to recovery.

The Mail understands that Prince William will carry out engagements when the children return to school after the Easter holidays. 

The King is continuing his battle with cancer as his 'beloved daughter-in-law' the Princess of Wales revealed she is also fighting the disease

Kate was previously seen with her family attending church at Sandringham last Christmas Day 

Sitting on a bench at Windsor, surrounded by spring flowers, the Princess of Wales has taken the extraordinary step of revealing to the world that she has cancer

King Charles arrives at the London Clinic in Marylebone this morning for treatment 

King Charles III, himself undergoing treatment for cancer, pictured arriving at Clarence House on Tuesday

Throughout this period the couple's children have been her priority.

It is understood that William and Kate wanted to tell their children at a time that was right for them and to allow them to understand and process the news before it became public.

With the children having broken up from Lambrook School today for the Easter holidays this afternoon, they decided that now was the right time to share the statement.

Sources say their concern recently, despite global and social media speculation, was to put Catherine's health and their children first.

It is now hoped, aides said, the speculation around the princess comes to a stop.

Catherine is apparently determined to go about her normal routine, which she sees as an important part of her recovery, and has asked for people to respect her privacy.

However it has been confirmed that the family will not be going to church at Windsor next Easter.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen together last week as William went to the The Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey

King Charles was spotted leaving Buckingham Palace, after earlier being seen exiting Clarence House

The Princess of Wales with her children in her Mother's Day portrait, which now has added significance given her diagnosis

Catherine's emotional and extraordinary words in her unprecedented video message

In a brave address to the nation, Kate shared an incredible and inspirational message of hope to fellow cancer sufferers, telling them: 'Please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.'

She thanked the public for their 'wonderful messages of support' and said that having her husband William by her side was a 'great source of comfort and reassurance'.

READ MORE: 'I tell George, Charlotte and Louis, I am well and getting stronger every day': Princess of Wales reveals how she reassures her young children that mummy will be ok amid her cancer battle 

Pictured: The Princess of Wales attends the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey with her husband Prince William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis, on December 8 last year

 

King Charles tonight said he is 'so proud' of the Princess of Wales 'for her courage' in revealing her cancer diagnosis and remains in the 'closest contact' with her.

The monarch, 75, is continuing his battle with cancer as Kate, 42, revealed she is also fighting the disease in an unprecedented video address. 

Sharing Charles' reaction to the shocking news, Buckingham Palace said: 'His Majesty is ''so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did''.

'Following their time in hospital together, HM has ''remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks''.

'Both Their Majesties ''will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time''.'

After she revealed the diagnosis, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished her a 'full and speedy recovery'.

He said: 'My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales, the Royal Family and in particular her three children at this difficult time.

'The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery.

'She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today. In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media. When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.

'I know I speak for the whole country in wishing her a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back in action when she's ready.'

King Charles was treated in the same hospital as the Princess of Wales, who underwent abdominal surgery for an unknown condition in January.

Although it has been a tumultuous few weeks for the Royal family, Charles has adopted a 'business as usual' approach as he battles the disease.

Charles is a workaholic who famously packs in ten to 12 engagements and meetings a day and spends many a night alone in his study, furiously writing letters and keeping up with his paperwork, well into the early hours. His wife knows he won't change, and nor would she want him to.

READ MORE: How William discovered Kate had cancer just before he was due to attend King Constantine of Greece's memorial service at St George's Chapel, and pulled out with moments to spare 

Prince William, pictured here in Sheffield on Tuesday this week, learnt his wife Kate had cancer not long before he was due to attend a memorial service for King Constantine of Greece

 

Despite being told by his doctors to cancel his public engagements ahead of his surgery, the King has insisted on not only keeping up with his paperwork but even holding meetings behind the scenes.

Only yesterday, at Sandringham, hours before he flew back down to Buckingham Palace ahead of being admitted to hospital today, he had an audience with Dame Polly Courtice of Cambridge University's Institute for Sustainability Leadership and Professor Robert Miller, director of the Whittle Laboratory.

Despite his absence from public duties, The King - who is expected to remain in hospital for two days - has made clear he will not be needing counsellors of state to stand in for him.

Historically the spouse of the sovereign and the next four people in the line of succession, counsellors of state, are authorised to carry out the monarch's official duties should they be incapacitated.

With Prince William clearing his diary to be by his wife's side, Prince Andrew and Prince Harry could, theoretically, have been called on.

This week it also emerged that three members of staff at the London Clinic have been suspended amid an investigation into allegations there were attempts to access Kate's private medical data.

The alleged breach of Kate's data took place at the clinic after the future Queen was admitted for planned abdominal surgery on January 16, with Kate being discharged 14 days later.

She has rarely been seen in public since then, leading to cruel conspiracy theories on social media about her wellbeing and health.

Charles previously referred to Kate as his 'beloved daughter-in-law'. 

Kate is known to have a warm relationship with her father-in-law and has reportedly helped smooth the sometimes fractious relationship between the King and his son, William. 

While it's clear from photos how much he cares for his daughter-in-law, King Charles made it even more explicit during a speech he gave in Nairobi (pictured L-R: then-Prince Charles and Kate Middleton at the World premiere of No Time To Die in London, September 2021)

The then-Duchess of Cambridge and Prince of Wales have been snapped sharing a chuckle on a number of occasions, including during this event at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall in Loughborough in February 2020

Images showing the closeness, such as this photo from the service of thanksgiving for the Queen at St Paul's cathedral on June 2022, make it clear why Charles has several times said that the family is 'lucky' to have Kate

Kate's willingness to get stuck into any task means she has become a well-liked member of The Firm - with family members as well as the public! (Pictured ironing artwork onto silk during a visit to the Dulwich Picture Gallery in March 2012)

King Charles and Kate have also shown several public signs of their close relationship over the past few years. 

The Princess of Wales lovingly called her father-in-law by his family nickname of 'grandpa' when she greeted him at a G7 reception in 2021.

In April 2021, the then Duchess of Cambridge shared a kiss on the cheek with her grief-stricken father-in-law as they left Prince Philip's funeral.

Kate consoled Charles as the pair walked out of St George's Chapel following the emotional service in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Photographs show Kate comforting the then Prince of Wales over the loss of his father by putting her hand on his shoulder. She then kissed him on the cheek as they set off from the entrance of the chapel. 

Elsewhere, when greeting one another at engagements, Kate and the King will often share a friendly embrace and pecks on the cheeks. 

Charles has come to adore Kate, with whom he has bonded not just over mutual loves, such as music and art, and his grandchildren.

The King thinks she is doing a 'wonderful' job bringing up George, Charlotte and Louis, and is appreciative of the very stable little family unit she and William have created.

He also relishes the time he gets to spend with them at Windsor now that he is spending more time at the Castle, where they live just a few minutes drive away.

Queen Camilla's presence at the hospital today by her husband's side is equally remarkable.

While the late Queen Elizabeth II occasionally visited her husband, Prince Philip, in hospital during some of his lengthier (and more serious) convalesces, Camilla insisted on accompanying her husband as he was admitted, too.

It is understood that she plans to spend several hours at his bedside and may even stay until doctors have confirmed that his surgery to treat an enlarged prostate has been successful.

Friends tell me that she wouldn't have had it any other way. 'They are a genuinely devoted and very sweet couple,' said one.

Indeed, Annabel Elliot, Camilla's sister recently described her as being the King's 'rock'.

'They're the yin and yang. They really are polar oppositions but I think it works brilliantly,' she said.

Another friend adds: 'It sounds a bit cheesy, I know, but they really are team. It doesn't surprise me in the slightest that she would be there.'

After emerged that three members of staff at the London Clinic were suspended, data watchdog the Information Commissioner's Officer confirmed it had 'received a breach report' and was in the process of 'assessing the information provided'.

Charles yesterday met Mbelwa Kairuki, High Commissioner for Tanzania, at Buckingham Palace

Ng Teck Hean, High Commissioner for Singapore, also presented his credentials to the King

Meanwhile, insiders at the hospital, based in Marylebone, central London, said staff had been 'left utterly shocked and distraught' that a 'trusted colleague' could have carried out such a 'breach of trust and ethics'.

The Princess is said to be aware of the allegations, while a spokesperson for Kensington Palace said: 'This is a matter for the London Clinic.'

It is a criminal offence for staff in any NHS or private healthcare setting to access the medical records of a patient without the consent of the medical provider's data controller.

The London Clinic could not confirm the exact date the alleged breach is said to have taken place but the revelation came a day after footage emerged of Kate out and about in Windsor over the weekend.

Footage yesterday showed crowds of royal fans watching as the King was driven from Clarence House, having been unable to join his wife on a scheduled two-day trip to Northern Ireland.

King Charles was seen in the back of a car leaving Clarence House this morning

King Charles remained in London rather than join his wife Camilla visiting Northern Ireland

Charles has stepped back from royal duties as he receives treatment for cancer

Queen Camilla, pictured during a visit to Northern Ireland, said Charles was 'doing very well'

The Queen visited Knotts bakery (pictured) and other businesses in south Belfast

Members of the public watched in central London as the King went past in his car

Photographs were taken as the royal car turned out of Clarence House on to the Mall

The London Clinic private hospital is pictured yesterday as an investigation into an alleged breach of Kate's medical data is carried out

Camilla has begun a series of engagements in Belfast - where she was photobombed by smartly-dressed 23-month-old Fitz Corrie-Salmon.

The boy wearing a tuxedo and bow tie posed in front of the cameras as Camilla visited a shop and talked to staff at Knotts bakery in Belfast.

She grinned as she watched him and said: 'We have a natural for the cameras.

'There's something so wonderful about this kind of place.'

Camilla also told how Charles was 'doing very well' and was 'disappointed' to miss out on the trip to Northern Ireland.

During a visit to The Arcadia deli, shop assistant Brenda Robb handed over a get well card for Charles and extended her best wishes.

Asked several times about the King's wellbeing, she said: 'He's doing very well.'

Responding to quips about men 'not being the best patients', she joked: 'I try to keep him in order.'

She added: 'He's very disappointed he can't come.'

Her Majesty is in Northern Ireland for a two-day trip, that had been due to be undertaken by the both of them.

After the King was compelled to stay at home, she decided to continue with elements of her own programme for the working trip.

She is travelling alone this week after Charles stepped back from his public duties while receiving treatment for cancer.

The 75-year-old is not carrying out public duties while he has treatment but is continuing with behind-the-scenes work on state papers. 

Queen Camilla has told wellwishers that King Charles 'is doing very well'.

She told members of the public in Northern Ireland this morning that the King, who has been receiving treatment for cancer, was 'disappointed' not to be able to join her there. 

King Charles is pictured shaking hands with the Ambassador of Algeria Nourredine Yazid during a private audience at Buckingham Palace this evening

King Charles held a video call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Buckingham Palace

Earlier this week, King Charles held a video call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Buckingham Palace amid his cancer treatment. 

Charles was pictured sitting in front of a computer screen at the Palace as he spoke with Mr Trudeau. 

Charles earlier met with the Ambassador of Algeria, Nourredine Yazid, and Samba Mamadou, Ambassador of Mauritania. 

Earlier this month, Kate Middleton was said to be returning to her royal duties at a practice Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 8 by the army before they appeared to do a U-turn. 

The Ambassador of Mauritania Samba Mamadou (pictured, right) is photographed shaking hands with King Charles (pictured, left)

Charles was pictured sitting in front of a computer screen at the Palace as he spoke with Mr Trudeau via video call

The King and the Ambassador of Algeria, Nourredine Yazid, appear to share a joke at Buckingham Palace

Charles smiles in the back of his Rolls-Royce as crowds cheer on the King amid his cancer treatment

The announcement seemed to signal Kate will be well enough to attend the June 8 event, but broke with protocol as only the Palace can traditionally confirm a royal's attendance.

Video footage showed the King smiling in the back of his Rolls-Royce as crowds cheer him passing.

The 75-year-old, who was dressed in light blue pattern tie, appeared in good spirits as he met with the diplomats.

While he steps back from official visits, other members of the royal family have stepped up to take on extra duties.

Queen Camilla has been holding down the fort since Charles's cancer diagnosis in January.

She has completed at least 13 official engagements on her own since her husband's condition came to light but is now expected to hand the reins over to the Prince of Wales and Princess Anne whilst she takes a break.

Kate's cancer battle in her own words: The Princess of Wales' emotional video statement in full 

I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.

It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I've had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

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 that treatment.

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.

As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, 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.

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.

Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.

We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.

At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.