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Opinion

Catherine

VIRTUAL REALITY - Tony Lopez - The Philippine Star

Friday, March 22, in London, Catherine (Kate Middleton), the Princess of Wales, 42, had a video of two minutes and 15 seconds. She had not been seen in public since Dec, 25, 2023 and a family picture and previous videos with her turned out to be either manipulated or old.

Looking pale and thin seated on a wooden chair with daffodils in a garden setting, the wife of Prince William, England’s future king, made several revelations:

One, she has cancer. The disease was discovered after a planned major abdominal surgery for a condition thought non-cancerous on Jan. 16, 2024. She was shocked after the cancer was confirmed.

Two, she is well and getting stronger. She won’t die, at least, in the immediate future.

Three, she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy. The treatment is now in its early stages, implying treatment could take time. Note the use of “early” to describe stages of treatment, not to describe stages of cancer. The treatment could not be scheduled immediately after surgery because Catherine took time to recover from her abdominal surgery.

Four, chemotherapy started late February, which implies she has had the treatment for about three weeks prior to the March 20 video which was shown March 22, in time for the Easter holiday of the three kids, George, 10; Charlotte, 8 and Louis, 5.

Five, Catherine and the family want privacy.

Here is the full text of the Princess’ video:

“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.

“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.

“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.

“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.

“As I have said to them, I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal – in my mind, body and spirit.

“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.

“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.

“At this time, I am also 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.”

On Feb. 5, 2024, after Catherine’s surgery, Buckingham announced King Charles, 75, has cancer and would receive treatment. The cancer was discovered following a benign prostate enlargement procedure.

On Feb. 27, 2024, Prince William pulled out of a memorial service for his godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece, at the last minute due to a “personal matter.” Kensington Palace refused to offer any details but said that Kate continues to do well. King Charles also missed the service.

The late Greek king, who died in January last year, was William’s godfather and a first cousin once removed of the King’s father, the late Duke of Edinburgh.

Was Feb. 27 the start of Kate’s chemotherapy?

March 4: A photograph showing Catherine riding in a car with her mother, Carole Middleton, while in Windsor, circulated online. UK newspapers did not publish the photo.

March 5: It was announced Kate would not be making an appearance at the June 8 Trooping the Color. Tickets were earlier being sold advertising her appearance.

March 6: William’s “focus is on his work and not on social media,” a royal spokesperson tells People magazine.

March 10: Kensington Palace releases a Mother’s Day photo of Catherine with her kids. Supposedly her first photo after surgery, it was doctored, by Catherine herself.

March 11: Catherine apologizes for the confusion for her experiments with editing photos.

March 17: A video appears showing a smiling Kate walking briskly with William at a farm shop.

March 18: A photo of Queen Elizabeth II with the grandchildren appears. The picture taken April 2023 for the late Queen’s 97th birthday, it was digitally enhanced at source.

March 19: The Informaion Commissioner’s Office says it is investigating a report that at least one member of the staff at the London Clinic tried to access Kate’s medical records while she was a patient there.

PS: Both my parents died of cancer, of the liver. Two brothers died of cancer. My advice: Get a checkup, preferably with an MRI. Cancer strikes people from all walks of life, from royalty to paupers.

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Email: [email protected]

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