Princess Kate delivered the words that no one wanted to hear on Friday, “cancer has been found”.
The fit and healthy 42-year-old spoke from the heart in an emotional video lasting just over two minutes, and told the nation that while her abdominal surgery was a success, post-operative tests revealed the worst.
The overriding message was one of positivity and strength, as she told the world: “I am well and getting stronger every day.”
She was unable to hide her own anxiety though, as her voice cracked on several occasions and was seen nervously wringing her hands.
But Kate, as always, was thinking of others as she praised the outpouring of love and support she has received since her surgery and sent a defiant message to fellow cancer sufferers and said: “You are not alone.”
It is also clear that her first concern when she received the diagnosis was not for her, but for her and William’s three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.
Sources said that “every decision made has been to protect the three children” as Kate wanted to reassure them that she was going to be alright.
It also underlines why the news came on Friday, as it marked the start of their school holidays.
While aides were keen to stress that the timing had nothing to do with the rampant conspiracy theories about Kate’s health, there is no doubt that today’s announcement will finally put an end to the cruel online chatter.
Kate, unlike her father-in-law, decided to break the news herself and to do so via a recorded video message.
She wanted to speak directly to the nation, in a move that will indirectly block the noise surrounding her whereabouts and health.
One can only hope that those who perpetrated the vile rumours and conspiracy theories about her are hanging their heads in shame tonight.
The rest of us meanwhile, are fully behind the future Queen and very much hope that she makes a full and speedy recovery.
