Kate Middleton's devastating news 'reopened old wound' for Prince William
Kate Middleton's devastating news 'reopened old wound' for Prince William
Ethan Davies & Charl WrightThu, October 8, 2026 at 11:36 AM UTC
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Prince William was profoundly affected by Kate Middleton's cancer news -Credit:JORDAN PETTITT, AFP via Getty Images (JORDAN PETTITT, AFP via Getty Images)
Prince William experienced an "old wound reopening" following his wife Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis in 2024, according to a royal expert.
The Princess of Wales revealed she was undergoing treatment for the disease in spring 2024, after having major abdominal surgery. She subsequently announced she was in remission in January 2025.
"It is a relief to now be in remission, and I remain focused on recovery," she said at the time. "As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal." This comes after a source suggested Kate may be struggling following her remission announcement.
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A new book suggests the diagnosis profoundly impacted the family, with William particularly affected by the news. Royal commentator Ingrid Seward writes that the announcement "carried with it the unmistakable scent of déjà vu" for the future king, who was just 15 when his mother Diana died.
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She wrote in Catherine & Diana, "When Catherine fell ill, it wasn't just a medical crisis. It was the reopening of an old wound he had spent decades learning to live around."
Kate Middleton was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 -Credit:WPA Pool, Getty Images
"[William experienced a] sense of being thrust into a story he had never chosen, one that had already taken too much from him," Seward continued before suggesting the diagnosis motivated William to ensure he remained actively involved in his family's daily life.
"The thought that he might lose her was intolerable to William, so he made sure he wouldn't - by being there at every turn," the acclaimed expert said.
In recent months, Kate has taken on a number of solo royal engagements, among them a visit to Italy in May and tackling the Three Peaks Challenge in June to raise funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the institution that supported her throughout her cancer treatment.
Last month, both William and Kate traveled to Wakefield to show their support for Sir Kevin Sinfield, as the rugby league icon completed seven ultra-marathons in seven days in a fundraising effort for the MND Association, honoring his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow. Sir Kevin was subsequently knighted by William at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
Kate and William with Tom Cruise at the Digger premiere last month -Credit:Getty Images for Warner Bros.
Kate and William also appeared together at a World Suicide event on September 10, where they visited Everton Football Club to support the launch of the "On Your Side" mental health toolkit for sports.
Moreover, they had a Hollywood adventure in London when they attended the Digger premiere alongside acting legend Tom Cruise, who is the film's leading man. During the event, they could be seen chatting to Tom, who also kindly led Her Royal Highness down the stairs before entering the cinema.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
