‘We love you’: How the world reacted to the Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnosis
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World leaders and celebrities have paid tribute to the Princess of Wales, commending her bravery in opening up about her cancer diagnosis in a video message.
The Princess is undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy after cancer was detected during tests following her abdominal surgery on Jan 16.
Here’s how world leaders, politicians and celebrities reacted to the news.
United States
Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United State, sent a personal message from her account on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“You are brave, and we love you,” the First Lady wrote, signing off with “Jill”, to denote that she personally drafted the message.
You are brave, and we love you. ~Jill https://t.co/xlt7CcsjPu
— Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) March 22, 2024
Joe Biden’s spokeswoman also said the entire White House’s “thoughts are with the Duchess of Cambridge” and that the president’s team is “incredibly sad to hear of the news” of her cancer diagnosis.
“We just heard, obviously, all of us just heard the terrible news,” Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at the White House’s daily press briefing.
“Our thoughts are with the Duchess of Cambridge and her family members and friends during this incredibly difficult time, and certainly we wish her full recovery.
“I think it’s important that we respect their privacy, especially at this time, so I’m not going to go further than that.
“I know folks are going to ask if the President has spoken to her or the family. I can just say right now that we don’t have anything to share at this time, but obviously we wish the Duchess of Cambridge a full recovery and we are incredibly sad to hear of the news.”
On the other side of the country, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wished the Wales family “health and healing” from their home in California, and expressed their hope they would be “able to do so privately and in peace”.
Canada
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said his thoughts are with the Princess of Wales following the news of her cancer, which was “so courageously shared”.
Mr Trudeau wrote on X: “My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, 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.”
His opposition counterpart, Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Canadian Conservative Party, said he was “saddened” by the news.
“I join with all Canadians in wishing her a speedy recovery, and her family support in a difficult time,” he said.
Australia and New Zealand
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his thoughts were with the Princess and her family:
My thoughts, and those of Australians, are with the Princess of Wales and her family following the news of her cancer diagnosis.
The Princess of Wales has shown extraordinary courage with her public statement today, in which she expresses her concern for others.— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 22, 2024
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said: “New Zealand’s thoughts are this morning with the Princess of Wales following the news of her cancer diagnosis. I know Kiwis across the world will be wishing her well in her recovery.”
Europe
Over in Europe, Emmanuel Macron, the French President said: “Your Highness, in this difficult period you are going through, Brigitte and I wish you a full recovery. Your strength and resilience inspire us all.”
Bild, a German tabloid, reported the news with a breaking news flash on its website.
“Shocking news from the English royal family: Princess Kate is suffering from cancer! Kate announced this in a video message published on Friday evening,” stated the German newspaper.
The story went on to note that the Princess of Wales has “increased the popularity of the British monarchy worldwide more than any other royal since Princess Diana.”
“There has been speculation about her health for a long time,” noted the news website Spiegel, which also ran a breaking news story. “Now Princess Kate has announced in a video message that she has cancer.”
There was no immediate response from the German government.
Newspapers across the world splashed the news of the Princess’s diagnosis on the front page. Spanish newspaper La Razon wrote on its front page: “The truth about Kate Middleton: I have cancer and am undergoing chemotherapy treatment.”
Celebrities
Giovanna Fletcher and Dr Alex George were among the celebrities who have met the Princess of Wales to send her well-wishes.
Author and podcast host Fletcher, on whose parenting podcast the Princess appeared in 2020, said: “Sending you and the family so much love from me and mine”.
In a later Instagram post, she added: “Words fail me. The speculation. The conspiracies. The entitlement.
“So much going on in her world, in her heart. So much happening that she wants to navigate carefully to protect her young children. Yet she’s forced to take time away from that because of the unnecessary noise from ‘caring’ strangers.”
Meanwhile former Love Island contestant Dr Alex, now a TV doctor campaigning on mental health issues who hosted a panel discussion with the Waleses last year, wished her a “speedy recovery”.
He said: “The Princess of Wales left a real impression on me when we met for World Mental Health Day.
“I have met so many people who talk about mental health over the years, I have come to learn who talks the talk, and who walks the walk. The Princess is a stomper. A real good egg.
“As I am sure you all do, I wish the Princess a good and full recovery from her cancer and I hope when ready, HRH will be with us on the front line, fighting for mental health and our young people once again.”
Meanwhile Zara McDermott, who now fronts BBC Three documentaries, also worked alongside the Princess last year as part of the royal’s Shaping Us campaign - highlighting the importance of early years development.
She said: “What an incredible woman she is; I know how it feels to be one of those young children and having your parents try to explain to you what is wrong with mummy through cancer diagnosis and treatment. Your strength is inspiring.”
TV star and musician Myleene Klass, who has had encounters with different members of the royal family over the years through her music and campaigning efforts, also sent well-wishes to the Princess.
“What an incredibly brave statement to personally make at such a vulnerable, frightening time for her and her family. Wishing you all love,” she said on Instagram stories.
