Kate Middleton’s Family and Celebrities React to Her Cancer Diagnosis

The public finally got their answer about Kate Middleton’s months-long public absence, and it’s definitely not what many had been theorizing.

What probably began as genuine concern for the Princess of Wales quickly spiraled out of control after the palace announced her abdominal surgery in January. Fueled by vague statements from the Firm and a Wales family portrait being recalled by photo agencies due to “manipulation” concerns, the internet did what it does best: spread conspiracy theories. Even celebrities like Blake Lively, Kim Kardashian, Andy Cohen, John Oliver, and Stephen Colbert weighed in on the drama, to varying responses from fans. While some found their jokes funny at the time, others criticized them for “mocking” the princess, pointing out that Middleton was clearly requesting privacy for a reason.

On March 22, Kate Middleton revealed she’s been undergoing treatment for cancer and taking the time to process her diagnosis with her family. “In January I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time it was thought that my condition was noncancerous,” she said in her video. “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’m now in the early stages of that treatment.”

She 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’m going to be OK.”

Though she thanked the public for their “messages of support,” Middleton has asked for “time, space, and privacy” while she completes her cancer treatments. “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I’m able but for now I must focus on making a full recovery,” she said. “At this time I’m 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.” You can read the full statement here.

Now, the tone of celebrity responses has shifted, with many taking to social media to give the Princess of Wales their well wishes. Here’s how Kate Middleton’s family and celebrities are reacting to the news so far.

King Charles and Queen Camilla

“His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement, per BBC News. According to the publication, the King and Queen will “continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

“We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” the Sussexes said in their statement to multiple publications.

James Middleton

Kate’s brother shared a childhood photo with his older sister on Instagram, writing, “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too ⛰️❤️”

Charles Spencer

Princess Diana’s younger brother praised Middleton for her “incredible poise and strength” with his own Instagram post.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively deleted her Instagram post poking fun at the royal photoshop scandal and shared an apology on her Instagram Stories. “I’m sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this. I made a silly post around the ‘photoshop fails’ frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today,” she wrote. “I’m sorry.”

She added, “Sending love and well wishes to all, always.”

Catherine Zeta-Jones

“Wales and the World is with you ♥️ HRH Princess of Wales. Love to you always.♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿,” wrote Zeta-Jones on Instagram.

Olivia Munn

Munn replied to the Princess of Wales’ Instagram post, writing, “Thank you for showing what it’s like to fight with grace and determination for yourself and for your family. Wishing you all the best. 🤍🤍🤍.”

The 43-year-old actor recently revealed her own private 10-month battle with breast cancer, sharing that she underwent double mastectomy in a vulnerable Instagram post.

Shannen Doherty

Doherty applauded Middleton’s “strength” in an Instagram post while chastising conspiracy theorists. “Being a public figure does not mean the public owns that person,” the 52-year-old actor wrote in her message. “We ALL have the right to go through illness or life privately.”

Doherty has been very vocal about her own fight against cancer, but hopes the public will respect Middleton’s privacy following months of speculation about her health. “The onslaught of conspiracy theories, ownership, and plain, morbid curiosity forced this person to explain herself before she had come to terms with it and explained to her children,” Doherty wrote. “I pray this is a learning moment for us all to respect privacy of others, regardless of being in the public eye.”

In a personal message to Middleton, she continued, “I admire your strength through the endless onslaught you’ve been under while going thru cancer.”

This post may be updated.