Kate Middleton Has Cancer: 'Huge Shock' (VIDEO)
The Princess of Wales Catherine announces on global TV that she is getting chemotherapy treatments after abdominal surgery, showing effective crisis communications
Kate Middleton flashed across our TV screens in a two-minute video (watch it below) to tell the world that she has cancer and to ask for privacy.
The astounding video of the Princess of Wales— looking directly into the camera and appearing somewhat gaunt— came after her medical records were reportedly accessed by rogue hospital staff and weeks of conspiracy theories.
As I wrote recently about crisis communication, getting out all the facts immediately is the most effective way to fix a mess. She has done that now and deserves sympathy and privacy.
All the Facts
Catherine, 42, said her “major abdominal” surgery in January was “successful, however tests after the operation found cancer had been present.” She said she has started "a course of preventive chemotherapy” treatments. Watch the video below:
She did not announce the type of cancer.
“This of course came as a huge shock and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” said the Princess of Wales, wearing her engagement ring and wedding band.
She explained her public absence was due to both recovering from surgery to start treatments and to explain everything to her children— George, Charlotte and Louis. Catherine said she told them in a way that was “appropriate” and reassured them “that I am going to be okay.”
Her father-in-law, King Charles, also has cancer. Poor Prince William has a young wife and father both going through tough treatments.
Kensington Palace originally said Kate would be out of public life until after Easter. She didn’t address the timeline in this video, but it will likely be longer.
“We hope that you’ll understand that as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” said the British princess.
Royal Rumors
Princess Catherine has been the subject of global gossip and conspiracy theories for her absence from public life. People guessed it was everything from being in a coma to plastic surgery to her husband cheating on her.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance” she said, putting to bed the media stories of another woman.
The controversy over Kate’s absence hit a high when she admitted to photoshopping a family photo that the wire services killed for being manipulated.
Then she— or the PR team from Kensington Palace— sent her out in a car with William but only showed the side of her face. This increased the conspiracy theories.
Last weekend, William and Catherine were seen in a grainy video at a local market. It seemed like a PR stunt, even though the person who took the video declared he didn’t know the rumors and just happened to see them (see the newspaper covers in the photo above.)
The New Kate
I wrote that many found it odd that Catherine has been a spokeswoman for various important issues but kept her medical diagnosis a secret. She has turned that around by declaring that she is thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
“For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone,” said the princess.
I understand that some of you say we all should have left her alone. But I think…