Kate Middleton diagnosed with cancer: Sarah Ferguson, Harry and Meghan, more react
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have offered their support for Kate, the Princess of Wales, after she opened up about her cancer diagnosis on Friday.
"We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace," Harry and Meghan said in a statement shared with ABC News.
The Sussexes, who stepped down as senior working royals in 2020, are among several family members who have rallied around Kate, including King Charles III, who shared in a statement on Friday that he is "so proud" of his daughter-in-law.
"His Majesty is 'so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did,'" a Buckingham Palace spokesman said Friday. "Following their time in hospital together, His Majesty has 'remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.'"
"Both Their Majesties 'will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time,'" the spokesman added.
In a video message shared on Friday, Kate, who is married to Prince William, said that after undergoing abdominal surgery in January, tests 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," she said. "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."
Kate's diagnosis was revealed less than two months after Buckingham Palace announced Charles had also been diagnosed with cancer.
Like Kate, Charles is currently undergoing cancer treatment, though the palace has not said what type of cancer he has nor what type of treatments he is undergoing.
Kate's announcement of her cancer diagnosis last week sparked reactions from high-profile figures around the world.
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York
Sarah Ferguson, the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, Charles' younger brother, said in a statement Monday that she is "full of admiration" for Kate.
"All my thoughts and prayers are with the Princess of Wales as she starts her treatment," Ferguson said in the statement, which was shared on X. "I know she will be surrounded by the love of her family and everyone is praying for the best outcome."
Ferguson, the mother of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, was diagnosed with cancer herself twice in the past year.
She was diagnosed last summer with breast cancer, for which she underwent a mastectomy, and then in January revealed she had also been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
"As someone who has faced their own battles with cancer in recent months, I am full of admiration for the way she has spoken publicly about her diagnosis and I know it will do a tremendous amount of good to raise awareness," Ferguson wrote of Kate. "I hope she will now be given the time, space and privacy to heal."
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
"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 Meghan said in a statement.
James Middleton
James Middleton, Kate's brother, also shared words of support for her in an Instagram post.
"Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together," he said. "As a family, we will climb this one with you too."
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished Kate a "speedy recovery" in a message he shared on social media on Friday.
"My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales, the Royal Family and in particular her three children at this difficult time," Sunak said. "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," he continued. "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."
"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," he added.
White House
During a White House press briefing on Friday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters the White House sends its thoughts to Princess Kate and is “incredibly sad” to her the news of her cancer diagnosis.
"Our thoughts are with [Catherine] and her family members and friends during this incredibly difficult time and certainly we wish her a full recovery and I think it’s important that we respect their privacy, especially at this time,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.
Jill Biden
First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, shared a message for Kate in a post on X.
"You are brave, and we love you," she said.
President Joe Biden
President Joe Biden also shared a message on X for Kate and said, "Jill and I join millions around the world praying for your full recovery, Princess Kate."
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey, where Princess Kate and Prince William married in 2011, also shared their well wishes to Kate in a post on X following the news of her cancer diagnosis.
Olivia Munn
In the comments section of the video shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales on Instagram, Olivia Munn wished Kate "all the best." Last week, Munn revealed in an Instagram post that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and a double mastectomy.
"Thank you for showing what it's like to fight with grace and determination for yourself and for your family," Munn said. "Wishing you all the best."
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Catherine Zeta-Jones, who is from South Wales, also took to Instagram to offer support for Kate.
"Wales and the World is with you," Zeta-Jones said. "HRH Princess of Wales. Love to you always."
Ivanka Trump
Ivanka Trump, the daughter and former advisor to former President Donald Trump, said she is "deeply saddened to hear about Princess Kate's diagnosis," in a statement she shared on X, formerly Twitter.
"Amidst the trials she faces, her strength and grace continue to shine brightly," Trump said. "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," she continued. "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."
Katie Couric
Katie Couric took to Instagram to send Kate and her family "healing thoughts" and to share how Kate's news resonated with her and her own experience with cancer.
"Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is being treated with preventative chemotherapy," Couric said. "As someone who has experienced cancer, I was deeply moved by her comments. Sending her and her family healthing thoughts."
Mia Farrow
In a message on X, actress Mia Farrow also sent her prayers for Kate during this difficult time for the princess.
"Prayers for a swift and complete recovery for lovely Princess Kate and for everyone and every family now dealing with a tough diagnosis," Farrow said.
Billie Jean King
Tennis legend Billie Jean King shared a message on X sending her support for Kate.
"Sending our love, support, and best wishes for a full and complete recovery to Catherine, The Princess of Wales," King said.
Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer, the party leader of the Labour Party, sent his "best wishes" to Kate in a message on X.
Meghan McCain
Meghan McCain also took to X to share her well wishes to Kate.
"America is sending Princess Kate and the entire royal family strength and support during this challenging time," McCain said. "Princess Kate has always been the epitome of class and grace -- never more so than now."
Humza Yousaf
First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, said he is "saddened to hear the news about the Princess of Wales/Duchess of Rothesay," in a message he shared on X.
"I am praying for her swift recovery," he said. "It must be an incredibly difficult time for the whole family. Royalty or otherwise, she has a right to privacy, which I hope will be respected."
