King Charles and Kate Middleton have been leaning on each other amid their respective cancer battles.
In early February, Buckingham Palace announced that the British monarch had been diagnosed with “a form of cancer” after undergoing a procedure for an enlarged prostate.
Just weeks after the shock news, the King’s daughter-in-law shared her own cancer diagnosis, which was discovered after she underwent abdominal surgery in January.
Charles and Kate were both admitted to The London Clinic for their respective surgeries at the same time in January.
According to a new report in The Sunday Times, the King was a great comfort to the Princess of Wales in hospital.
A source told the newspaper: “The King has always had a close, warm and unique relationship with the princess. She has a great love and respect for him and his position.
“When they were in hospital together there was a lot of toddling down the corridor to spend time with her. He has been encouraging and supporting her throughout.”
The Sun on Sunday has also reported that the pair had a private lunch together the day before she revealed her diagnosis to the world.
The lunch took place at Windsor Castle, and was said to be “very emotional”.
An insider said: “They would have had lots to discuss and share because just weeks earlier the King had begun his course of treatment and dealt with announcing his diagnosis.
“The King left his lunch feeling very emotional. They are very close and he thinks of Catherine as his daughter. There is no doubt there is a lot they can share and can use each other for support during their own deeply personal cancer battles.”
The Princess of Wales revealed she was undergoing treatment for cancer in a video posted on social media on Friday, following months of speculation surrounding her health.
In her public address, the 42-year-old revealed: “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.”
The mother-of-three continued: “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,” she revealed.
“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 spirits.
“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.”
Kate also delivered a message of support to fellow cancer sufferers, and said: “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.”
