Kate Middleton's cancer battle: Loyal family including Carole and Pippa Middleton will rally around Princess

PUBLISHEDFri Mar 22 2024 18:39 GMT

UPDATEDFri Mar 22 2024 18:40 GMT

She's been a constant reassuring presence throughout her daughter's life.

So it's safe to say that Carole Middleton will be supporting Kate Middleton through her cancer treatment.

The Princess of Wales, 42, today announced that she is undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy following successful abdominal surgery in January.

While the Prince of Wales has been at his wife's side - and representing her at engagements - Kate's parents Carole, 69, and Michael, 74, appear to have been eagerly on-hand.

The couple, along with Kate's siblings Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, have been supporting the royal's recovery at her home in Windsor, which is nearby their own homes.

The Princess of Wales released a video message revealing her diagnosis

Kate Middleton is seen arriving with her mother Carole Middleton (R) and sister Pippa Middleton (L) at the Goring Hotel the night before her wedding on April 28, 2011

Princess of Wales' speech 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.

In a video statement released today, Kate said: '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.'

Kate's recent outing with mother, Carole, marked her first sighting since Christmas Day.

The royal was pictured sitting in the passenger seat of Carole's 4x4 Audi, near Windsor Castle. The photos were taken shortly before 9am, suggesting the mother and daughter were returning from the school run.

Kate is likely to have been doted on by her caring parents after leaving the hospital in January.

Carole and her husband Michael, 74, have long been known for their hands-on parenting approach and often host their grandchildren for sleepovers.

Carole pictured with baby Kate

(L-R) Carole Middleton, Michael Middleton and Pippa Matthews leave after attending the 'Together at Christmas' community carol service at Westminster Abbey on, 8 December 2021

Kate Middleton with her sister Pippa at Simon Sebag Montefiore's 'Young Stalin' book launch at Aspreys in London on May 14, 2007

Kate Middleton and mother Carole visit The Spirit of Christmas Shopping Festival at London's Olympia

The royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011

Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton depart Westminster Abbey following the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023

Kate Middleton (R), her mother Carole Middleton and sister Pippa Middleton arrive at The Goring Hotel after visiting Westminster Abbey on April 28, 2011

Prince George and Carole Middleton (R) attend the King's Cup Regatta on August 08, 2019 in Cowes

Speaking to Tatler, insiders who knew the Middleton children at school said the family was notorious for 'doing everything to the very highest of standards'.

'There were huge picnics on sports days, the smartest tennis rackets - that kind of thing. It made the rest of us all feel rather hopeless,' a fellow parents told the outlet.

'Ultimately, Carole has played a blinder as a mother. Not only are all of her children unfairly good-looking, they are also famously charming.

'Always the first to write a thank-you letter, they dance all night and are still the first up in the morning, plumping cushions and washing up.'

Carole has also always reportedly been 'one of the girls' with her daughters, meaning they would never shy away from involving their mother in their life.

The Princess' parents were also able to provide a privileged upbringing for the princess, who attended the famous Wiltshire boarding school - Marlborough College.

Both Kate and her younger siblings James, 36, and Pippa, 40, attended the institution, and it is said to have transformed the future Queen from a 'shy bullied girl' to a 'hockey captain that snagged a Prince'.

Kate Middleton's cancer battle: Loyal family including Carole and Pippa Middleton will rally around Princess

Princess of Wales' speech in full

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