Kate's brother James Middleton sends heartbreaking message of support to his sister - and shares touching childhood photo

The Princess of Wales younger brother James has shared a touching message of support for his sister amid her battle with cancer. 

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

James, 36, took to Instagram to share a childhood photo with the Princess on a hiking trip, saying: 'Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.'

Royal fans were quick to react, pointing out how entrepreneur James will now support Kate in the same way she was by his side through his battles with depression. 

The Princess of Wales' younger brother James took to Instagram to share a childhood photo with the Princess on a hiking trip, saying that they would 'climb this mountain together' after it was revealed Kate has been diagnosed with cancer 

The Princess of Wales released a video message revealing her diagnosis, saying it had come as a 'huge shock'

This is so sweet. She was there with you during your mental health struggles & I am sure that you will be by her side through this too,' one wrote. 'You both are so strong & you have the support of so many around the world. We love you!'

'Aww what a lovely post.. she has such a supportive family! I have no doubts our beloved Princess will go through this and will be cancer free soon,' another royal fan added. 

'What a beautiful post,' said a third. 'Catherine is so lucky to have such an amazing family to support her. Sending so much love to the entire family.'

James has previously spoken about how Kate, alongside his parents and sister Pippa rallied round to help him overcome clinical depression. 

James recently welcomed his first child, a son named Inigo, withi his French wife Alizee

'I was very lucky that they were willing to be involved and understood that it’s a process, there's no quick fix to it,' he said. 

'And understanding the way that my mind works, which may differ from theirs or other people's is a really important part, because it was was a process for me as much as it was a process for them, and I think as a family we grew from that.'

He also spoke about how Kate and Pippa, both attended therapy sessions alongside him in support. 

'My sisters came to some of my therapy session,' he said. 'They've always been there during difficult times and they were at my side during the hardest of times as well. For that, I am forever grateful.'

Now it is Kate's turn to lean on the Middleton family for support, and her parents Carole, 69, and Michael, 74, appear to have been eagerly on-hand.

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

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 

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

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'.