Kate Middleton’s Cancer Diagnosis Reopened Old Wounds for Prince William, Royal Author Reveals
Kate has actively returned to royal duties, and has been seen projecting a united front, with William amid ongoing scandals.
Kate Middleton was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and is currently in remission, but for Prince William, it was his personal 'Annus horribilis' as he coped with the fear of almost losing her. William restructured his responsibilities to prioritize his family while his wife was on a healing journey. Royal author Ingrid Seward reveals how the Prince of Wales made sure that he was her 'rock' while also being emotionally vulnerable.
Kate's illness triggered unknown anxiety within William, who described how the ordeal resurrected the "sudden, sickening" fear he had experienced as a teenager when his mother, Princess Diana, died. "When Catherine fell ill, it wasn't just a medical crisis. It was the reopening of an old wound he had spent decades learning to live around," Seward explained in her latest published book, Catherine & Diana.
"The shock of the diagnosis announced by Catherine in an emotional video filmed at Windsor carried with it the unmistakable scent of déjà vu." According to Seward, at that point William took extensive measures to protect his family from public scrutiny, scaling back his public duties to prioritize family time, Women and Home magazine reported.
"The thought that he might lose her was intolerable to William, so he made sure he wouldn't—by being there at every turn," the royal author added. During an appearance on Heart Breakfast in May, the Prince of Wales opened up about his struggles, describing 2024 as the "hardest" year of his life and emphasizing the crucial role Kate plays in their family. Praising her grit, he called her an "amazing" wife and mother, stating, "Literally our family couldn't cope without her."
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales has been championing the cause since entering remission in 2025. Following her personal treatment journey, she recently visited the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she had undergone treatment. Kate has extended her association with the hospital by becoming Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in 2025 alongside William.
During her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, the Princess of Wales expressed deep gratitude for the exceptional care and support provided by the hospital team. She emphasized the importance of holistic care, highlighting the positive effects of nature, nutrition, and ongoing support during challenging medical treatments. "It made a big difference to me, and it made a huge difference to lots of patients I’ve spoken to," she noted, as reported by People. Kate has since actively returned to royal duties, projecting a united front alongside William while attending various engagements.
