Princess Of Wales Announces Cancer Diagnosis

 On Friday HRH The Princess of Wales made a video announcement confirming she is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. 

Catherine explained that following her abdominal surgery in January for a non cancerous condition, subsequent tests showed cancer had been present. On medical advice, HRH has now commenced "preventative chemotherapy".

Until she has completed treatment and fully recovered, Catherine will be focussing on her wellbeing and that of Prince William and their young children George, Charlotte and Louis. 

The Wales family are expected to leave Adelaide Cottage for the next few weeks of the children's school break. Most likely they will spend that time at their Norfolk home Anmer Hall. 

Below is the Princess of Wales explaining her diagnosis as well as a photo taken by Prince William for Mother's Day, almost a fortnight ago. 

This author is in shock and saddened by today's news. We wish Catherine a full and speedy recovery. 

From Prince and Princess of Wales YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/A_jE1j_KOZk

 "I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.

It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

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.

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.

For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone." 

 

King Charles Cancer Diagnosis & Catherine's Abdominal Surgery

The Wales children have had an unsettled start to 2024 with their mother, the Princess of Wales admitted to The London Clinic on January 16th for "planned abdominal surgery".

Kensington Palace took the public and royal watchers by surprise, releasing a statement after the Princess had been admitted.  The statement also said that Catherine would be in hospital for up to two weeks and would not return to public duties until after Easter. It reassured the public by stating that Catherine's condition was non cancerous.

Prince William put his family before duty, clearing his diary so he could maintain some normalcy for his young children- doing the school drop offs and pick ups and caring for them in the absence of their mum. Supported by the Middleton family and nanny Maria, William was able to regularly visit Catherine in hospital. 

George, Charlotte & Louis did not visit their mum although they all enjoyed Face Time calls with her. The Princess's separation from the children has been the longest of their young lives which will have been very unsettling for the little royals and a wrench for their devoted mother.

Only hours after Kensington Palace released it's statement about Catherine's surgery, Buckingham Palace then made public the news that King Charles too would be admitted to The London Clinic in the coming days for non cancerous prostate surgery. 

And so on 26th January the King was admitted to hospital and paid a visit to his daughter in law before making his way to his own rooms. 

With Charles, William and Catherine all stepping back from royal duties, the Royal Family was depleted of working royals. Queen Camilla, the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, along with the elderly Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were the only royals available to undertake official duties. 

The King returned home on Monday 29th January and the Princess likewise was discharged on the same day to recover in Adelaide Cottage.

Cancer Diagnosis

The King was recovering and planning a return to royal duties in the following weeks when the public had to digest the next royal medical statement. Buckingham Palace announced on 5th February that following diagnostic tests whilst hospitalised for the  prostate procedure, it was discovered that Charles had an unrelated cancer. 

He has now commenced regular treatments for the undisclosed cancer and will not be undertaking public duties. The King however will still be attending to the daily "Red Box" of Government, State, Church and Diplomatic papers, many requiring his signature or to be read .

King Charles has retreated to Sandringham House in Norfolk and will travel to London for treatment.  Charles will also continue to meet with the Prime Minister weekly, either in person or via video link.

Prince William has returned to his engagements and where necessary will stand in for his father.  And the Wales family has taken this week's half term break to spend time at Anmer Hall, also on the royal Sandringham Estate. 

Anmer Hall was a wedding gift to Catherine and William from Queen Elizabeth in 2011. The family has used it as both a full time residence when the children were small and as a place to retreat to during school breaks. 

Best wishes to both King Charles and the Princess of Wales for full and speedy recoveries.

 

 

 

George, Charlotte and Louis Attend Christmas Day Mass

 Happy Christmas to all readers of this blog. Here are some lovely photos of the Wales family attending Christmas Day mass with the extended Royal Family. 

Princess Anne’s granddaughter Mia Tindall held hands with young Louis on the way from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene church. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales also released a second black and white image of their children. This photo was more informal than last weeks group shot.

Wales Children Help Out At Baby Bank

 In November the Princess of Wales took her three children to the Maidenhead Baby Bank near their home in Windsor.

The Princess is a very active supporter of Baby Banks throughout Britain which provide much needed essentials to families of babies and older children. 

Princes George & Louis and Princess Charlotte arrived with donated items and then set about making up Christmas bags for varying ages. 

Catherine could be heard explaining to the children about the volunteers who give their time freely to support the Baby Bank. 

A video released by Kensington Palace can be seen on my previous Post. 

The Princess of Wales launches Christmas Baby Banks initiative

Wales Family 2023 Christmas Card Photo

 The Prince and Princess of Wales have released the photo which will feature on their 2023 Christmas Card.

The image was captured by Josh Skinner in Windsor. 

Together At Christmas Carols Concert

 On Friday 8th December, Westminster Abbey played host to the 3rd annual "Together At Christmas" carols concert. The brainchild of the Princess of Wales, these concerts are a way of thanking different individuals and groups in the community who have helped others throughout the year. 

This year Prince Louis attended the Carols with the rest of the Wales family as he was previously too young. 

Other members of the royal family in attendance were: Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Peter Phillips and daughters Isla and Savannah, Zara Tindall, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Prince Michael of Kent and his daughter Lady Gabriella along with his son Lord Frederick and his family.

 Catherine's parents Michael and Carole Middleton and her sister Pippa and husband James Matthews also joined the congregation.

George And William In Marseille

 Princes William and George of Wales attended the Rugby World Cup in Marseille on Saturday. 

George, who has just started his mid term break from school was seen to enjoy the match between Wales and Argentina. 

 

William and Charlotte Cheer The Lionesses

 The Prince of Wales and daughter Charlotte have appeared in a video sending a good luck message to
England's Lionesses football team.

Prince William is President of England's Football Association and the Lionesses will play Spain in the final of the Women's Football World Cup in Sydney, Australia on Sunday. 

It is expected that Queen Letizia of Spain and youngest daughter Infanta Sofia will attend the match. 

 

 

 

New Portrait Of George At 10

 A 10th birthday portrait of Prince George of Wales has been released by Kensington Palace. The image was captured by Millie Pilkington earlier this month at Windsor Castle. Please read my previous blog post to mark George's milestone birthday.