Kate Middleton also kept her cancer diagnosis secret among friends | Royals

Since being diagnosed with cancer, Kate Middleton has been discreetly opening up about the situation with few friends. According to People Magazinenot even those closest to us and many confidants did not know about the disease.

“It was a big shock,” said a source close to the People. A former Kensington Palace aide added: “The circle of knowledge was very restricted.”

In a video that resonated around the world on March 22, Princess Kate, 42 years old, revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer and began chemotherapy treatment.

At the time, she even spoke about keeping the situation confidential “for the good of our young family”, referring to her children, Prince Georgefrom 10 to old, to the princess Charlotte8, and to the prince Louis5, which she shares with the prince William .

According to the source close to the royal family, Middleton “remained united with the family” throughout. The parents of Kate, Carol and It is Michael Middleton has been an additional source of help, as have younger siblings Pippa and James.

Harry and Meghan received news along with the public

While Kate’s health crisis has strengthened the safety net around her, it has also highlighted the royal family’s continued estrangement from the Prince. Harry It is Meghan Markle , who heard the news at the same time as the rest of the world. However, they contacted William and Kate privately after the announcement and released a public statement: “We wish health and healing to Kate and her family, and hope they can do so privately and in peace.”

The Prince of Wales will resume public duties after George, Charlotte and Louis return to school on April 17, and Kate, who will remain out of the public eye during her treatment, will be able to attend events when she feels able.

However, palace sources told international websites that this would not necessarily mean a return to royal duties. For now, her focus is on full recovery, with her family there to support her.

“She has the inner strength, the support of her husband and her extraordinary family, so she can focus on what’s important,” says Ailsa Anderson, the Queen’s former representative. Elizabeth “which is her regaining her strength”.