Prince Harry and Meghan release statement following Kate's cancer diagnosis | Today Show Australia

TODAY
22 Mar 202413:27

Summary

TLDRThe transcript discusses the recent cancer diagnosis of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, and the impact it has had on the royal family. It highlights her bravery in sharing the news and the support she has received from her family and the public. The transcript also touches on the speculation and rumors surrounding her health that have been circulating in the media. Additionally, it mentions the short statement from Prince Harry and Meghan, expressing their wishes for Kate's health and privacy during this challenging time.

Takeaways

  • 📢 Kate Middleton has received a cancer diagnosis and is currently undergoing treatment.
  • 🏥 The Princess of Wales initially underwent major abdominal surgery in January, thinking it was non-cancerous, but cancer was later discovered.
  • 💌 A personal video statement from Kate expressed her gratitude for the support received and asked for privacy during this challenging time.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kate and Prince William have been taking time to explain the situation to their children, George, Charlotte, and Louie, in an age-appropriate way.
  • 🌟 The royal family, including Prince William and Queen Camilla, are supporting each other through their respective spouses' cancer treatments.
  • 💔 The news of Kate's diagnosis has come as a shock to the public, and there has been widespread speculation and rumors about her health and whereabouts.
  • 🌍 Reactions to the news have been pouring in from around the world, including statements from Prince Harry and Meghan, and the White House.
  • 🤝 Prince Harry and Meghan's statement offered health and healing wishes to Kate and her family, hoping for privacy and peace during this time.
  • 🏛️ The situation has been particularly challenging for the royal family, with Prince Charles also recently diagnosed with cancer.
  • 📺 The media and public figures, including celebrities, have been involved in the speculation about Kate's health, with some now likely feeling remorseful after learning the truth.
  • 🙏 Kate's message of solidarity with others battling cancer and her encouragement for them to not lose hope has resonated with many.

Q & A

  • What is the latest development regarding Kate Middleton's health?

    -Kate Middleton has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently in the early stages of chemotherapy treatment following major abdominal surgery in January.

  • How did the public find out about Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis?

    -The Duchess of Cambridge shared the news in a deeply personal video message, thanking everyone for their support and asking for privacy during her treatment.

  • What was the initial belief about Kate Middleton's condition after her January surgery?

    -It was initially thought that her condition was non-cancerous.

  • What prompted Kate Middleton to release a statement about her health?

    -Kate Middleton released the statement to address the speculation and rumors surrounding her health and to reassure the public that she is receiving treatment and support.

  • How has the royal family reacted to Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis?

    -Prince Harry and Meghan issued a short statement expressing their wishes for health and healing for Kate and her family, hoping they can go through this privately and in peace.

  • What has been the impact of the news on the public and media?

    -The news has led to an outpouring of support and sympathy from around the world, with many people, including celebrities and the White House, expressing their solidarity with the royal family.

  • What was the public's speculation about Kate Middleton's absence from the public eye?

    -There were various rumors and conspiracy theories, including speculation about her health, her location, and even the use of a body double.

  • How has Kate Middleton addressed the public's concern for her well-being?

    -In her video message, she expressed gratitude for the support she has received and reassured everyone that she is well and getting stronger every day.

  • What is the significance of the timing of Kate Middleton's statement release?

    -The statement was released on the day her children finished school for the Easter holidays, allowing the family to protect them from media speculation and gossip.

  • What are the future plans for Kate Middleton during her treatment?

    -Kate plans to focus on her recovery and will take some time off from her public duties. She looks forward to returning to her work once she has made a full recovery.

  • How is Prince William supporting his wife during this challenging time?

    -Prince William has been by Kate's side, providing comfort and reassurance. He will continue to balance his royal duties while supporting his wife and family.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Kate Middleton's Cancer Diagnosis: Royal Family's Response

The news of Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis has sent shockwaves through the royal family and the public. The Duchess of Cambridge has released a heartfelt statement thanking everyone for their support and asking for privacy during this challenging time. The royal family, including Prince William, is deeply protective of Kate and is focusing on her recovery and the well-being of their children. Despite the ongoing speculation and pressure from the media, the family is trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for their children while dealing with this devastating news.

05:00

🌈 Prince Harry and Meghan's Support for Kate Middleton

Prince Harry and Meghan have issued a brief but meaningful statement expressing their wishes for health and healing for Kate and her family. They hope that Kate can undergo her treatment privately and in peace. This comes after the release of Kate's own statement about her cancer diagnosis and the impact it has had on the royal family. The statement from the Sussexes also highlights the global attention and concern for the health of the royal family, with reactions pouring in from around the world, including from the White House.

10:02

🏥 Kate Middleton's Health Journey: Personal Update

Kate Middleton has shared a deeply personal video detailing her health journey since undergoing major abdominal surgery in January. Initially thought to be non-cancerous, subsequent tests revealed the presence of cancer, leading to her current course of preventative chemotherapy. Kate expresses gratitude for the support she has received and emphasizes the importance of privacy for her family during this time. She also extends her thoughts to others affected by cancer, encouraging them not to lose hope. The video serves as a direct response to the widespread speculation about her health and whereabouts, providing the public with the truth and a glimpse into the personal struggles faced by the royal family.

🎙️ Media Speculation and Public Reaction to Kate Middleton's Diagnosis

The media and public have been rife with speculation and rumors about Kate Middleton's health and whereabouts, leading to conspiracy theories and widespread discussion. The revelation of her cancer diagnosis has brought a sense of reality and shock to the situation, prompting a global outpouring of sympathy and support. The royal family, including Prince William and Queen Camilla, are facing the challenge of supporting their loved ones through their health struggles while managing their public duties. The situation has also highlighted the difficulty of explaining such a serious issue to young children, as Kate and William navigate telling their own children about Kate's diagnosis.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Cancer Diagnosis

The term 'cancer diagnosis' refers to the identification and confirmation of cancer in a patient through medical tests and examinations. In the context of the video, it is the revelation that Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been diagnosed with cancer following initial abdominal surgery. This diagnosis is a significant and emotional event for the royal family and the public, as it impacts their personal lives and public duties.

💡Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses one or more drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in conjunction with other treatments like surgery or radiation. In the video, it is noted that Kate Middleton's medical team has advised her to undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy following the discovery of cancer cells post-surgery. This indicates a proactive approach to treating the cancer and preventing its spread.

💡Royal Family

The Royal Family refers to the immediate family of a reigning monarch, their children, and other close relatives. In this video, the Royal Family is central to the narrative, as they are dealing with the impact of Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis on both personal and public levels. The term encompasses the emotional support and public duties of the family members, including Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

💡Privacy

Privacy in this context refers to the right of individuals to be free from unwanted public attention, especially in matters of a personal or sensitive nature. Kate Middleton has requested privacy for herself and her family as they navigate her cancer treatment. This highlights the balance between the public's interest in the Royal Family and the family's need for personal space during a challenging time.

💡Public Duties

Public duties refer to the official responsibilities and engagements that members of the Royal Family undertake as part of their role. These duties often include attending events, supporting charities, and representing the monarchy. In the video, Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis has temporarily halted her public duties, emphasizing the personal impact of her health situation on her professional role.

💡Support

Support in this context refers to the assistance, encouragement, and care provided to someone going through a difficult situation, such as a health crisis. The video emphasizes the outpouring of support Kate Middleton has received from the public, as well as the support from within her family, particularly from her husband, Prince William.

💡Speculation

Speculation in this context refers to the act of making assumptions or guesses about a situation without all the facts. The video discusses the various rumors and conspiracy theories that circulated regarding Kate Middleton's absence from the public eye before her cancer diagnosis was revealed. This highlights the challenges faced by public figures when personal matters become the subject of public conjecture.

💡Media

The media refers to the various channels of communication, such as television, newspapers, and the internet, that disseminate news and information. In the video, the media's role is significant as it both shapes public perception and放大s the impact of Kate Middleton's health news. The media's coverage includes both the spread of rumors and the expression of support and concern for the Royal Family.

💡Emotional Impact

The emotional impact refers to the psychological and emotional effects that a situation or event has on individuals. In the video, the emotional impact of Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis is evident not only on her and her immediate family but also on the public and the Royal Family as a whole. This highlights the deep concern and empathy that people feel towards the personal struggles of public figures.

💡Family Dynamics

Family dynamics refer to the relationships and interactions within a family, including the roles each member plays and how they support or influence each other. In the video, the family dynamics are central to understanding how the Royal Family is coping with Kate Middleton's health challenges. The support from Prince William and the need to protect their children are highlighted, showing the importance of family unity and care in difficult times.

Highlights

Kate Middleton has received a cancer diagnosis.

A statement was released by Prince Harry and Meghan expressing their support for Kate and her family.

The news of Kate's diagnosis has caused shock worldwide.

Kate's statement was released on the day her children finish school for the Easter holidays.

Kate's cancer was discovered after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.

The initial belief was that Kate's condition was non-cancerous.

Kate is currently in the early stages of chemotherapy.

Kate and Prince William have been managing the situation privately for the sake of their family.

Kate's video message thanked everyone for their support and understanding.

Kate expressed solidarity with others going through cancer treatments.

The royal family is facing an unprecedented challenge with two senior members undergoing cancer treatment.

Prince William and Queen Camilla are supporting their spouses through their treatments while maintaining royal duties.

Speculation and conspiracy theories about Kate's whereabouts have been widespread.

The White House expressed solidarity with the royal family following the news of Kate's diagnosis.

Kate's message aimed to address rumors and speculation about her health and whereabouts.

Kate and her family are asking for privacy during this difficult time.

Kate's focus now is on making a full recovery.

The news of Kate's diagnosis has led to a global outpouring of sympathy and support.

Transcripts

00:00

more now on Kate Middleton's shock

00:02

cancer diagnosis this morning and we're

00:04

joined by talk TV Royal editor Sarah

00:06

Houston who's live for us in London good

00:08

morning to you Sarah uh the latest news

00:10

that we've just had is a statement

00:12

released by Harry and Megan uh what have

00:14

they

00:15

said morning to you Jane and Alex yeah a

00:18

very short statement from the sussexes

00:21

in the last few minutes also uh wishing

00:24

health and healing to Kate and the

00:26

family and hoping that they are able to

00:29

do so privately and in peace it's a

00:33

gesture but I think it's a small gesture

00:36

and I think any hopes of reconciliation

00:38

despite this really awful news about the

00:42

Princess of Wales whether that's going

00:43

to bring those two sides back together I

00:46

think that's not going to happen at this

00:48

stage I think the wounds run really

00:51

really deep and I think William is so

00:53

protective of his wife at the best of

00:55

times but not least of all now and feels

00:58

very strongly about the h that was

01:00

caused to her by Harry's book and of

01:02

course by the Netflix

01:04

documentary um and also this has been

01:08

around now for a couple of hours now

01:10

just breaking as we're waking up here in

01:12

Australia um your reaction to this news

01:15

first of all I just want to go back a

01:16

bit to to uh this breaking this morning

01:19

because we're still in shock here in

01:21

Australia what's it like where you are

01:24

so are we Alex because we had been

01:27

hoping that the princess of Wales was

01:30

doing well in her recovery and that

01:32

would we would be seeing her back to

01:35

public duties after the Easter holidays

01:38

and you know we'd had those sightings of

01:40

her and then today to hear this

01:42

devastating news that she has received a

01:44

cancer diagnosis and the statement that

01:47

she made I thought it was heartbreaking

01:49

I thought it was emotional it was

01:52

selfless as she expressed her solidarity

01:55

with others going through this and told

01:56

them they were not alone but the most

01:58

poignant part of it for me was the fact

02:01

that they'd chosen to release this

02:03

statement now today because it's the day

02:06

that their three children George

02:07

Charlotte and Louie have broken up from

02:10

school for the Easter holidays and by

02:12

doing it this afternoon this evening it

02:14

means they can kind of wrap those

02:16

children in a bubble and protect them

02:19

from all of the gossip and speculation

02:21

that they can answer the questions in

02:23

their own way and they talked about

02:25

having to have that time in order to

02:27

tell the children and Kate wanting to

02:30

assure the children I am well I'm going

02:32

to be well I'm doing okay and that was

02:34

really heartbreaking because over the

02:36

past few weeks and and months I think

02:38

sometimes it's been forgotten that at

02:40

the center of this is a woman a mother a

02:42

wife and a family who are all dealing

02:45

with the most devastating and shocking

02:47

of news yeah and while they've been

02:49

dealing with that they've also been

02:50

facing all that speculation uh and

02:53

pressure from the outside world

02:55

speculation over where is Kate you know

02:58

why has she been touching up the

02:59

photographs look here she is uh at the

03:02

supermarket but is it really her or is

03:04

it a body double all all of this kind of

03:07

silly talk in many ways while she's

03:09

dealing with this incredibly um

03:11

emotional and private news she is now

03:14

asking for privacy she's given people

03:15

what they want she's told them what's

03:16

wrong she's fronted the cameras do you

03:19

think people will respect her privacy

03:21

now oh they have to uh don't they Jane I

03:24

mean you heard her plea there that she

03:27

needs that privacy to protect her

03:29

children and that is what she and

03:31

William have always been about trying to

03:33

protect the family unit and give their

03:35

children as much normality as possible

03:37

but also for her own healing to enable

03:40

her to make a full recovery and you're

03:42

right the speculation and the conspiracy

03:44

theories have been wild they have been

03:46

completely crazy and they haven't just

03:48

been in some kind of dark recesses of

03:51

the internet and on social media they

03:53

they've spread and they've been on us

03:55

chat shows they've been celebrities Kim

03:57

Kardashian Blake Lively for example kind

04:00

of doing their own memes and mocking the

04:02

Princess of Wales and I think now there

04:04

will be a lot of people feeling pretty

04:06

ashamed now they know the truth of why

04:09

we haven't seen Kate and very poignant

04:11

in that statement as well she does point

04:13

out that William has been by her side

04:15

because you know so many people have

04:17

been asking questions about that too and

04:19

she said he has been here and it's been

04:21

a great comfort to me yeah absolutely

04:24

and Jane and I have both got young

04:25

children Sarah uh and we just can't

04:28

imagine what that must be like like to

04:30

to explain to to a young child that you

04:32

have this battle you have cancer um

04:35

we've also got Prince King Charles

04:38

diagnosed with cancer recently as well

04:40

so two senior members battling this

04:43

awful awful disease where to from here

04:45

for the royal family how will they deal

04:47

with this going forward do you think

04:49

yeah I've got three young children

04:51

similar age to the wales's children

04:53

actually and you know it is the

04:55

conversation no mother ever wants to

04:57

have with her child children is it and

05:00

they're also dealing with Grandpa's

05:02

diagnosis as you say Alex this is the

05:05

most incredibly challenging time for the

05:08

royal family we know that the prince and

05:09

princess of Welles are going to be

05:10

taking some time off now uh we're not

05:12

going to be seeing them uh on Easter

05:14

Sunday with the rest of the royal family

05:17

attending church they are going to be

05:18

spending the holidays uh some three

05:21

weeks with their children privately uh

05:24

and Prince William will be back to work

05:26

after that but there's an enormous

05:28

weight on his solders right now carrying

05:31

the weight of responsibility of the

05:33

royal family both he and queen Camila

05:36

while they are both supporting their

05:38

respective spouses through their

05:40

treatments and trying to keep everything

05:42

going it is incredibly challenging this

05:44

is just an

05:45

unprecedented time for the royal family

05:47

and my heart goes out to all of them

05:49

beautifully said as does ours yeah well

05:51

done sarra thank you so much for being

05:53

with us great to talk to you let's bring

05:56

in US West correspondent Lauren tamasi

05:57

now in Los Angeles Lauren we we've just

05:59

heard from Prince Harry and

06:01

Megan we have Jane good morning to you

06:04

Prince Harry and Megan issuing a

06:06

statement just moments ago it is a short

06:08

statement reading we wish health and

06:10

healing for Kate and the family and hope

06:13

they are able to do so privately and in

06:15

peace just one line but a lot of meaning

06:17

from Kate's brother-in-law Prince Harry

06:20

and his wife Megan there the couple of

06:22

course live here in California in the

06:24

United States we know that when King

06:27

Charles had his cancer diagnosis Harry

06:30

made that whirlwind trip across to the

06:32

UK now as to whether or not he and or

06:35

Megan will travel across to the UK once

06:37

again in a show of support for Kate we

06:39

don't yet know but uh this diagnosis

06:42

certainly leaving shock waves right

06:44

across America and the world just

06:46

moments after Kate's diagnosis was made

06:49

public the White House expressing their

06:52

uh solidarity with the royal family uh

06:55

and on behalf of the Biden

06:56

Administration Karin Jean Pierre there

06:59

the head

07:00

of press here for the White House saying

07:02

all of us just heard this terrible news

07:04

our thoughts are with the Duchess of

07:05

Cambridge and her family members and

07:07

Friends during this incredibly difficult

07:10

time there has been so much speculation

07:12

as to Kate's whereabouts uh certainly in

07:15

the wake of that photograph incident uh

07:17

there's been talk show hosts celebrities

07:19

all speculating and today that diagnosis

07:22

coming uh and it has been an enormous

07:24

point of discussion sadness and sympathy

07:27

exploding here in the United States and

07:30

right around the world Jane Lauren

07:32

tamasi there in Los Angeles thank you

07:34

good morning welcome to weekend today

07:36

we're coming on air early this morning

07:38

to bring you the news that Kate

07:39

Middleton is receiving cancer treatment

07:42

yeah the Princess of Wales sharing Her

07:44

diagnosis with the world in a deeply

07:47

personal video I wanted to take this

07:50

opportunity to say thank you personally

07:52

for all the wonderful messages of

07:54

support and for your understanding

07:56

whilst I've been recovering from

07:58

surgery it has been an incredibly tough

08:01

couple of months for our entire family

08:04

but I've had a fantastic medical team

08:06

who have taken great care of me for

08:07

which I'm so

08:09

grateful in January I underwent major

08:12

abdominal surgery in London and at the

08:14

time it was thought that my condition

08:16

was

08:17

non-cancerous the surgery was successful

08:21

however test after the operation found

08:23

cancer had been

08:24

present my medical team therefore

08:27

advised that I should undergo a course

08:28

of preven of chemotherapy and I'm now in

08:31

the early stages of that

08:34

treatment this of course came as a huge

08:37

shock and William and I have been doing

08:39

everything we can to process and manage

08:41

this privately for the sake of our young

08:45

family as you can imagine this has taken

08:47

time it has taken me time to recover

08:50

from major surgery in order to start my

08:52

treatment but most importantly it has

08:55

taken us time to explain everything to

08:57

George Charlotte and Louie in a way

09:00

that's appropriate for them and to

09:01

reassure them that I'm going to be

09:04

okay as I've said to them I am well and

09:08

getting stronger every day by focusing

09:09

on the things that will help me heal in

09:12

my mind body and Spirits having William

09:15

by my side is a great source of comfort

09:17

and reassurance too as is the love

09:20

support and kindness that has been shown

09:22

by so many of you it means so much to us

09:26

both we hope that you'll understand that

09:29

that as a family we now need some time

09:32

space and privacy while I complete my

09:36

treatment my work has always brought me

09:38

a deep sense of joy and I look forward

09:41

to being back when I'm able but for now

09:43

I must focus on making a full

09:47

recovery at this time I'm also thinking

09:50

of all those whose lives have been

09:52

affected by cancer for everyone facing

09:55

this disease in whatever form please do

09:58

not lose faith or hope you are not

10:02

alone well let's bring in Nine's Europe

10:04

correspondent Edward Godfrey now who

10:05

joins us from Buckingham Palace good

10:07

morning to you Edward this has come as

10:09

quite a shock to

10:12

everybody a huge shock Jane uh for

10:15

months weeks and months we've had

10:17

speculation rumors conspiracy theories

10:19

wild conspiracy theories and now as

10:22

we've just heard we've got the facts

10:23

bravely laid be by the Princess of Wales

10:25

herself that she is receiving treatment

10:27

for cancer that message she says that it

10:30

was discovered following that abdominal

10:32

surgery she went in for in January tests

10:34

following that surgery revealing that

10:36

cancer was present it was thought at the

10:38

time that her condition was not

10:40

cancerous but those tests revealed

10:42

afterwards otherwise and her medical

10:44

team advised that she undergo some

10:46

preventative chemotherapy which she is

10:48

now in the early stages of in her

10:51

message she said it was a huge shock and

10:52

it's been a difficult couple of months

10:54

uh for her entire family she's needed to

10:56

take time to heal from that major

10:58

surgery before she could commence his

11:00

initial treatment uh one of the

11:02

difficulties has been trying to explain

11:03

to the three children George Charlotte

11:05

and Louie what's going on let's have

11:07

another listen to her there as you can

11:09

imagine this has taken time it has taken

11:12

me time to recover from major surgery in

11:15

order to start my treatment but most

11:17

importantly it has taken us time to

11:19

explain everything to George Charlotte

11:21

and Louie in a way that's appropriate

11:24

for them and to reassure them that I'm

11:26

going to be

11:28

okay

11:30

you can imagine how difficult that task

11:32

would be trying to explain to three

11:33

young children exactly what's going on

11:35

while the whole world is speculating

11:37

about what's going on she also uh

11:39

thanked everyone for their well wishes

11:40

and

11:42

support and uh said she's thinking of

11:44

everyone out there affected by cancer

11:46

and telling her not to lose hope as she

11:48

tries to make a full recovery it's been

11:50

quite a start of the year for the entire

11:52

Royal Family the last time she was seen

11:54

was on Christmas Day at Sandringham and

11:56

then uh a couple of weeks after the that

11:58

on January 16 it was revealed she'd gone

12:00

in for that abdominal surgery the palace

12:02

uh Buckingham Palace Kensington Palace

12:04

had said she wouldn't be seen until

12:05

after Easter and then when she hadn't

12:07

been seen at all that's when this the

12:09

rumor Rumor Mill really went into

12:11

overdrive there was that Paparazzi photo

12:13

which popped up of her in the car with

12:15

her mother uh leaving or driving from

12:17

Windsor where she lives at Adelaide

12:18

Cottage then there was the Mother's Day

12:20

photo of course which ended up being a

12:22

great Scandal when it was revealed that

12:24

it had been docked and it was pulled

12:25

down by Major photo agencies around the

12:27

world giving that kill notice and then

12:29

we had this uh video at the weekend of

12:31

her with Prince William at the farm shop

12:34

near where they live at Adelaide Cottage

12:36

and uh it was thought that that might

12:37

quiet down some of these rumors but it

12:39

really only kicked things along further

12:41

people speculating about that video

12:42

talking about her appearance and what

12:44

might be going on but uh we have the

12:46

facts now we've heard from The Princess

12:48

herself in that message that she is in

12:50

the early stages of this cancer

12:51

treatment this is going to be a huge

12:53

shock uh here in the UK and right around

12:55

the world there's already a big reaction

12:56

to it rolling coverage here in London

12:59

and this is going to go on for for some

13:01

time yeah that initial surgery on

13:03

January 16 Edward and and now a couple

13:05

of months later here we are thank you

13:07

we'll come back to you very soon hey

13:09

there today fans Sarah

13:11

and what's my name again Carl hey thanks

13:14

for watching our YouTube channel though

13:17

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