Celebrities who have met Kate wish her ‘so much love’ after cancer diagnosis

In a video message released on Friday, Kate said that she was in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy.
The Princess of Wales and Giovanna Fletcher on the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast (Kensington Palace/PA)
PA Media
Ellie Iorizzo22 March 2024
The Weekender

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Giovanna Fletcher and Dr Alex George were among the celebrities who have met the Princess of Wales and were sending her well-wishes after her cancer diagnosis announcement.

In a video message released on Friday, Kate said that she was in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy following her January visit to hospital for abdominal surgery.

Author and podcast host Fletcher was among those commenting on the video, after Kate appeared on her parenting podcast titled Happy Mum, Happy Baby, in 2020.

“Sending you and the family so much love from me and mine,” Fletcher, who is married to McFly star Tom, said.

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.

“The Princess of Wales has always led with dignity, grace and compassion. Working alongside her always gives the greatest lessons in how to care. How to listen. How to ‘human’.

“I’m thinking of our future Queen and hope she can now be left with nothing but everyone’s good wishes as she continues her treatment and surrounds herself with the love of her family.”

During their candid podcast discussion about parenthood, Kate described herself as a “hands-on mum” to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, but admitted she often struggled from “mum guilt”.

Meanwhile former Love Island contestant Dr Alex, now a TV doctor campaigning on mental health issues who hosted a panel discussion with William and Kate last year, was among those wishing Kate a “speedy recovery”.

In a statement posted on Instagram, 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.

“It’s been pretty shocking to see the level of intrusion over the last few weeks and months, you can only imagine the effect on this person’s mental health. I hope today’s announcement and brave message from HRH is a lesson that’s learnt from. We have to learn and grow as a society.

“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.

“Just remember, be kind. You never know what challenges someone is facing, or the battles they are trying to overcome. You got this, Your Royal Highness.”

The panel was part of a day of workshops and discussions to mark World Mental Health Day, as the royal couple launched the next phase of their campaign to support the nation’s mental health.

Former reality TV contestant Dr Alex has been an advocate for mental health following the death of his 19-year-old brother Llyr in July 2020.

While fellow Love Island star Zara McDermott, who now fronts BBC Three documentaries, also worked alongside Kate last year as part of the royal’s Shaping Us campaign – highlighting the importance of early years development.

“Sending HRH Princess of Wales so much strength and love during this time,” McDermott said on her Instagram stories.

“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.”

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden said the news from Kate had “personally hit me hard”, after she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and received chemotherapy treatment.

“Thinking so much about our Princess, Cancer doesn’t discriminate,” she said on Instagram.

“There’s no textbook, right or wrong way to deal with a diagnosis and treatment. It’s personal and I really hope all can #bekind and support our Princess.

“I was lucky enough to meet The Princess of Wales during my treatment who was so kind, supportive and generous of time.

“Sending all my well wishes with treatment ahead and as always to all those affected by cancer.”

Dowden revealed that “no evidence of disease” was found during a health check last month, but she will not receive the “all clear” for five years due to her type of cancer.

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 Kate.

“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.

US actress and X-Men star Olivia Munn, who last week revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in the hope it will help others to “find comfort, inspiration and support on their own journey”, also commented on Kate’s social media video.

“Thank you for showing what it’s like to fight with grace and determination for yourself and for your family. Wishing you all the best,” she said.

While Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones shared a picture of Kate on Instagram, writing: “Wales and the World is with you. HRH Princess of Wales. Love to you always.”

There was also an apology from Hollywood actress Blake Lively, who had seemingly mocked Kate after she issued a personal apology for manipulating a family photograph, sparking conspiracy theories about her whereabouts.

Referencing a now-deleted Instagram post, Lively said: “I’m sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this.

“I made a silly post around the ‘photoshop fails’ frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today. I’m sorry. Sending love and well wishes to all, always.”

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