By Mark Gray
7:27pm PDT, Mar 27, 2024
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The Princess of Wales has cancer.
After several months of speculation about her health, Kate Middleton revealed in a video posted by Kensington Palace on March 22 that she's been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving chemotherapy. The past two months have been "incredibly tough for our entire family," the Princess of Wales said.
"This of course came as a huge shock, and [Prince] William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family," she added. "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 [our children] George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK."
Following her cancer reveal in the wake of January abdominal surgery, many major names shared messages of shock, support, apology and more.
Keep reading to see how top names in entertainment, politics and the monarchy are reacting…
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After making jokes about Kate Middleton conspiracy theories on his show before the Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis, late night host Stephen Colbert expressed his regret during his March 25 episode.
"There's a standard that I try to hold myself to, and that is I do not make light of somebody else's tragedy," he told the audience, adding, "Far too many of us know that any cancer diagnosis of any kind is harrowing for the patient and for their family. Though I'm sure they don't need it from me, I and everyone here at 'The Late Show' would like to extend our well-wishes and heartfelt hope that her recovery is swift and thorough."
MORE: The best photos of George, Charlotte and Louis through the years
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"His Majesty is 'so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.' Following their time in hospital together, HM has 'remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.' Both Their Majesties (Charles and Queen Camilla) 'will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time.'" –Buckingham Palace on behalf of King Charles III
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"I am deeply saddened to hear about Princess Kate's diagnosis. Amidst the trials she faces, her strength and grace continue to shine brightly. It's disheartening to see the speculation that has surrounded her, particularly during a time when support and kindness are most needed. During this challenging period, my thoughts and prayers are with Kate and her family. I hope for her swift and full recovery, and I look forward to seeing her continue to inspire and make a positive impact in the lives of others. Let us all show our support by respecting her privacy and focusing on sending positive thoughts her way." –Ivanka Trump
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Days after she shared a photo promoting her Betty Buzz, her sparkling soda brand, by poking fun at the controversy surrounding the editing of Princess Kate's U.K. Mother's Day photo, which had been altered, Blake LIvely took to social media again to apologize in the wake of Princess Kate's cancer reveal.
"I'm sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this," Blake wrote on her Instagram Story. "I made a silly post around the 'photoshop fails' frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today. I'm sorry. Sending love and well wishes to all, always."
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"Wales and the World is with you HRH Princess of Wales. Love to you always." –Academy Award winner Catherine Zeta-Jones, who is from Wales
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"We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace." —Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan said in a statement
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"Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too" –James Middleton, Princess Kate's brother
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"The way certain American talk show hosts like [Stephen Colbert] mocked the Princess of Wales over her marriage in recent weeks now looks especially distasteful," Piers Morgan wrote on X following Princess Kate's cancer reveal, later adding, "People on here shrieking 'LEAVE KATE ALONE!' when they have spent the past few weeks spewing insane conspiracy theories about her is beyond parody. Shut up, you shameless hypocrites."
He continued to comment on the news, writing, "Kate spoke with such clarity and courage, and in just two extraordinarily powerful minutes she shut down all the wild global conspiracy theory madness. This isn't how royals normally handle stuff like this but it was so effective and admirable."
Piers also had praise for Kate's husband: "Prince William has carried out public engagements despite the enormous strain of his wife AND father both battling cancer. The very epitome of service and duty to his country. Hope he's getting all the help he needs," he wrote on X.
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Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer — Princess Diana's brother — took to X to praise Princess Kate's "incredible strength and poise" as she made her health announcement.
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"Now I hope everyone will leave her alone and allow the privacy she and her family need." —Maria Shriver
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"Like many of you, my first thought when I heard about Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis was, 'How is this going to affect Harry and Meghan's next development deal?'" –Ann Coulter
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"You are brave, and we love you." —Jill Biden
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"Thank you for showing what it's like to fight with grace and determination for yourself and for your family. Wishing you all the best." –Olivia Munn, who days earlier announced her own cancer diagnosis
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"The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country," United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted.
In an official statement, he said, "My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales, the Royal Family and in particular her three children at this difficult time. The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery."
"She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today. In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media. When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family," he continued, concluding his statement, "I know I speak for the whole country in wishing her a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back in action when she's ready."
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"Sending our love, support, and best wishes for a full and complete recovery to Catherine, The Princess of Wales." –Billie Jean King
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"Wishing Catherine, The Princess of Wales all possible strength and sending good wishes to her and her family for a full and rapid recovery." —former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson
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"Wow… big news from the royal family. Princess Catherine has announced that she is dealing with an unspecified cancer. She's undergoing chemotherapy. Prayers for her and her family." —Deborah Roberts
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"My prayers are with The Princess of Wales, The Prince of Wales and their children at this tremendously difficult time. I join the whole country, and the world, in praying for her full recovery. I take this opportunity to praise her for her spirit of optimism in the face of such difficult news, and am pleased to hear that she is feeling stronger every day. Her bravery in sharing in this way and her continued commitment to supporting others speaks to her compassion and sense of service. Please join with me in praying for The Royal Family as they deal with this private matter, and I would urge people to respect their privacy at this time." –Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said in a statement
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"America is sending Princess Kate and the entire royal family strength and support during this challenging time. Princess Kate has always been the epitome of class and grace — never more so than now." —Meghan McCain
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White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre commented on Princess Kate's cancer news at the start of a White House press conference. "We just heard obviously … all of us just heard the terrible news. Our thoughts are with the Duchess of Cambridge and her family members and friends during this incredibly difficult time and certainly we wish her a full recovery," she said.
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"My family will be praying for the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, who just announced her cancer diagnosis. She is a beautiful young mother, and I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for her family. We pray for a full healing and recovery." –Kayleigh McEnany, former White House press secretary
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"From one mom to another, you've got this. If I can beat it, so can you. Have faith, stay strong, and fight like hell. We're praying for you! " —Florida's first lady Casey DeSantis
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"Can we please just STOP with this bull**** conspiracy theory? This is a human being with young children, and clearly some sort of a health issue. That is a private matter. Do we not have better things to do and more important things to think about and be concerned about than this? It's a really low point in our society when there are SO MANY crucial issues that need our attention" –Jamie Lee Curtis via Variety prior to Princess Kate's announcement
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"Prayers for a swift and complete recovery for lovely Princess Kate and for everyone and every family now dealing with a tough diagnosis." —Mia Farrow
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"Prayers up for Princess Kate" —Hoda Kotb
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"Sending love" —Lauren Sanchez
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"Princess Kate addressing rumors in a video shows how intense speculation has become. Despite facing personal challenges, she puts on a brave face for the public. I wish her and her family well." –Trevor Donovan
