Kate Middleton Undergoing Cancer Treatment
Facts
- Princess of Wales Kate Middleton has revealed that while undergoing a recent abdominal surgery, doctors discovered that she has cancer.1
- Following her diagnosis in January, the Princess said her doctors 'advised' her to 'undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy,' which she is now in the 'early stages' of.2
- Before her surgery was made known, Middleton had not been seen in public since last Christmas. She then posted a self-edited photo of herself with her children earlier this month, prompting speculation surrounding her health.3
- A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said King Charles was 'so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did' and that he has 'remained in the closest contact' with her 'throughout the past weeks.'4
- This follows the King's own treatment for an unspecified cancer. Kate and her husband Prince William — the heir to the throne — are also very popular within the UK. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak noted that Kate has the 'love and support of the whole country.'5
Sources: 1Independent, 2FOX News, 3Verity, 4BBC News and 5Huffington Post.
Narratives
- Narrative A, as provided by POLITICO. The public should leave the Princess and her family alone, especially politicians. Everyone, including the Royal Family, has a right to privacy, particularly when it comes to serious health issues that demand compassion. Abdominal surgeries and cancer treatment are not trivial things to be gossiped about, so Buckingham Palace should continue doing whatever it feels best for the family.
- Narrative B, as provided by Time. While personal health issues should be reported on respectfully, the Royal Family needs to take responsibility for how it curates its lives to the public. Posting edited images and keeping the public in the dark only makes rumors spread faster. William and Kate have long been successful in portraying themselves authentically and need to maintain this going forward.