World leaders and everyday Britons on Friday voiced their support for Catherine, Princess of Wales, after her announcement that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was in the early stages of chemotherapy.
Catherine said in a video address that the news of her diagnosis came as a “huge shock” to her family, as she asked for “time, space and privacy” following months of concerns, memes and rumors about her health and whereabouts.
Contrary to some of the glib and conspiratorial chatter online in recent months, the reaction to her diagnosis was widely supportive.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed those dynamics, saying in a statement Friday that Catherine had been “subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media” since her January surgery, which preceded the discovery of her cancer.
Sunak added in the statement that his thoughts were with Catherine and her family. “The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery,” he said, adding that her video address showed “tremendous bravery.”
Keir Starmer, leader of Britain’s Labour Party, said he was “heartened by the Princess of Wales’ optimistic tone and her message of faith and hope.”
“Any cancer diagnosis is shocking,” Starmer said in a statement. “But I can only imagine the added stress of receiving that news amid the lurid speculation we’ve seen in recent weeks.” He added that Catherine and her family, “like any parents, will have waited to choose the right moment to tell their children.”
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said King Charles III was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did,” the BBC reported.
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, released a statement wishing “health and healing for Kate and the family,” adding that they hoped Kate could heal “privately and in peace.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a briefing Friday afternoon that “our thoughts are with” Catherine and her family “during this incredibly difficult time.” She declined to say whether President Biden had spoken with the princess.
Meghan McCain, whose father Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) died of cancer, wrote in a post on X that “America is sending Princess Kate and the entire royal family strength and support during this challenging time.” She added: “Princess Kate has always been the epitome of class and grace — never more so than now.”
At a shopping center in Essex, England, some people stopped to watch Catherine’s video address on their phones.
Louise Bashford, 19, said she was “shocked” about Catherine’s cancer diagnosis. “I just wasn’t expecting it,” she said. She and her friends had followed the social media frenzy about Catherine on TikTok.
Isabella, 17, said the news was “really horrible,” adding that she understood why Catherine had put forward a calm presence on social media while she was out of the public eye. Still, the Mother’s Day photo that Catherine later admitted to altering — “trying to fake it,” Isabella said — made the situation “a little bit worse.”
Sam Miller, 33, said his girlfriend had been keeping up with the rumors about Catherine. “The mystery is finally solved,” Miller said. “It’s good that they’re open,” he said, adding that it may encourage others “to go and get checked out” for possible cancer diagnoses.
Hassan reported from Essex, England.