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ROYAL PLANS

Kate Middleton cancer diagnosis news — Princess & William to ‘miss service’ as Royal Family’s Easter plans revealed

- Read Kate's full statement
- Told George, Charlotte & Louis 'I'm going to be OK'
- Tells cancer sufferers 'You are not alone'
- What we know about Kate's cancer diagnosis
- It’s time for cruel trolls to apologise to Kate

THE ROYAL Family is preparing for a rather different Easter this year, as plans change amid King Charles and Princess Kate's health battles.

King Charles, who is being treated for cancer, will attend the Easter Sunday Service at St. George's Chapel.

He will be joined by several senior royals, including his wife Queen Camilla.

In the wake of her cancer announcement, Kate Middleton, Prince William, and their three children will not attend the service.

Sunday's appearance will mark the first major event for Charles, 75, since he was diagnosed with cancer in February.

Follow our live blog below for the latest Royal news and updates...

  • Well-wishers come out in droves to support King Charles and Kate

    Well-wishers flooded Windsor's streets yesterday in a bid to show support for King Charles and Kate Middleton.

    A mile-long line snaked around Windsor Castle on Thursday, with paying visitors eager to get a glimpse inside and support the pair.

    Sadly, neither Kate nor Charles were in attendance.

    US visitor Frank said: “We were told that was the longest queue anyone had seen for the Castle and it really was something but everyone was very polite and very British.

    “A lot of people said they were here to show support for the family as they face this double health battle.”

  • Did King Charles mention Kate Middleton during his speech?

    While the King did not directly refer to his and his daughter-in-law’s health, his words could be interpreted as a reflection on the nation’s response to his and Kate’s challenges as they continue treatment for cancer.

    The princess released an emotional video message last Friday revealing she has started a course of preventative chemotherapy.

  • The Middleton’s to be ‘absolutely pivotal’ in supporting Kate

    Kate Middleton’s family will be “pivotal” in helping her through this difficult time, a royal expert has said.

    Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliam told The Sun Online: “We know that she’s got a very close and supported family, and secondly, that the support is under the radar.

    “The Middletons are clearly a very, very important part of her and William’s life.

    “At the moment absolutely pivotal. I would say.”

  • William under ‘enormous’ pressure amid family’s health battles

    Prince William is under “enormous” pressure and is not prioritising a reunion with his brother, a royal expert has said.

    Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: “We know the brothers have no contact reportedly at the moment, and haven’t for some time now.

    “For William the pressures are enormous, and I mean for Catherine the pressure is just a given. 

    “There’s no doubt that it’s going to be an immensely sensitive period. In Williams case he doesn’t want the pressure and the publicity that all this would give. Also he’s he is obviously stubborn.”

  • William and Harry’s reunion would be ‘very brief’ and ‘carefully choreographed’

    Any reunion between Prince Harry and William in the wake of Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis would be “very brief”, a royal author has said.

    Tom Quinn told The Mirror: “Given Kate’s cancer diagnosis, Harry will certainly make efforts to see his brother and Kate when he returns to the UK in May.

    “If it happens at all it’s to be a very brief carefully choreographed meeting and organised to last a short time so that the brothers can avoid any difficult conversations.”

  • William and Kate’s former spokesperson slams online trolls

    Kate Middleton was subject to a slew of online conspiracy theories prior to her announcement that she had been diagnosed with cancer.

    Now, a former spokesman for William and Kate has blasted the online hate shown towards the couple.

    Paddy Harverson told BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: “It’s a sort of permanent doom loop. And it’s the worst I’ve ever seen.”

  • What did Princess Kate say in her statement?

    Kate Middleton said: “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.

    “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. 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 am now in the early stages of that treatment.

    “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.

    “We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.

    “At this time, I am 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.”

  • Meghan and Harry ‘bottom’ of Will and Kate’s priorities

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were at the “bottom” of William and Kate’s priorities ahead of their announcement, according to royal author Phil Dampier.

    Phil Dampier told The Sun: “The Sussexes weren’t told about it because the relationship between William and Harry is at an all-time low…

    “It’s quite simple. I don’t think with all they’ve had to cope with in the last couple of weeks, dealing with Harry and Meghan would certainly have been bottom of their list.”

  • ‘The rift is too deep’

    The rift between Harry and William is simply “too deep” to be repaired, the BBC’s former royal correspondent Jennie Bond claims.

    She told The Times radio: “The bricks that have been thrown, the insults, the allegations, the accusations, the hurt, the pain, the rift is too deep now between William and Harry, I think. 

    “I personally think William has more or less blotted Harry out of his mind, out of life, and is focused on his role, his family and what he has to do.

    “And I think he regards Harry as a nonperson, really, in his life, which is terribly sad.”

  • Kate Middleton ‘thrilled’ by public support, Queen Camilla reveals

    The Princess of Wales is “thrilled by all the kind wishes and support” she has received since her cancer announcement, Queen Camilla said yesterday.

    Speaking during a visit to the Farmers’ Market in Shrewsbury, the Queen shared Kate’s message of thanks with the public.

    Brits came out in their droves during the Queen’s visit, with two young girls even presenting her with handmade posters for Princess Kate.

    Camilla told them: “I know that Catherine is thrilled by all the kind wishes and support.”

  • When did King Charles record his message?

    The King has stepped back from large-scale public duties while receiving outpatient treatment and the Queen is deputising for him at the ancient Royal Maundy ceremony on Thursday, a first for a Queen Consort.

    Charles was pictured sitting at his desk in Buckingham Palace's 18th Century Room as he recorded his message in mid-March.

    In front of him was a vase filled with spring flowers and two microphones ready to capture his words.

  • Hollywood star issues apology to Princess Kate

    Actress Blake Lively issued an apology after she mocked Kate’s edited Mother’s Day photo.

    “I’m sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this,” she penned on her Instagram account.

    “I made a silly post around the ‘Photoshop fails’ frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today.

    “I’m sorry. Sending love and well wishes to all, always.”

  • King makes address at Maundy Thursday service

    King Charles did not directly comment on his own health or the cancer diagnosis of the Princess of Wales.

    However he spoke of the importance of those who care for others.

    The King added that the 150 recipients of Maundy Money today "are wonderful examples of such kindness; of going way beyond the call of duty and of giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities."

  • King Charles speaks of 'great sadness' after missing service

    In his message today the King reaffirmed his coronation pledge "not to be served, but to serve".

    The King added: "It is for me a great sadness that I cannot be with you today."

  • Meghan needs ‘A-list’ backing for new business, royal experts claim

    Meghan Markle will need “A-list” backing to make a success of her new business venture, royal commentators have said.

    The Duchess of Sussex, 42, has lodged papers to trademark her new business American Riviera Orchard – which will sell dog shampoo, chicken feed and cosmetic products.

    But commentators think she will need the support of her LA friends if she wants to make the business a household name.

    Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: “The whole enterprise doesn’t sound to me like one that would be Hollywood A-list.

    “But if she can get out to endorse the said products – George Clooney, perhaps Oprah then, that’s another thing. 

    “I mean, she had Hollywood a Listers at the wedding. Now is the time to call on them.”

  • The Middleton’s to be ‘absolutely pivotal’ in supporting Kate

    Kate Middleton’s family will be “pivotal” in helping her through this difficult time, a royal expert has said.

    Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliam told The Sun Online: “We know that she’s got a very close and supported family, and secondly, that the support is under the radar.

    “The Middletons are clearly a very, very important part of her and William’s life.

    “At the moment absolutely pivotal. I would say.”

  • King and Kate have 'grown closer' amid health battles

    King Charles and Kate Middleton have grown closer amid their shared health battle, a royal author has said.

    Both royals are being treated for cancer after being diagnosed this year.

    Author Phil Dampier said: "The King and Kate have reportedly grown a lot closer because of their shared plight and he will be looking forward to future Easters when they are both well again.

    “It will be a reflective time for all and it reminds us that the royals are human like the rest of us.”

  • Will & Kate’s ex-neighbours install 100 statues of naked people in their grounds

    William and Kate's ex-neighbours Rose Hanbury and Lord Cholmondeley have installed 100 statues of naked people in the grounds of their stately home.

    The bizarre figures have been spotted on the lawn at Houghton Hall, just four miles from Kate and William's 'favourite place' Amner Hall in Sandringham, Norfolk.

  • Send your well wishes to Princess Kate and King Charles this Easter

    Easter has come at a difficult time for the Royal Family, with two of its most prominent members facing health battles.

    As King Charles and Kate Middleton continue their cancer treatment, experts have said this is likely to be a “reflective” Easter for the family.

    You can show your support for Charles and Kate and send in your well wishes at the link below.

  • William under ‘enormous’ pressure amid family’s health battles

    Prince William is under “enormous” pressure and is not prioritising a reunion with his brother, a royal expert has said.

    Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: “We know the brothers have no contact reportedly at the moment, and haven’t for some time now.

    “For William the pressures are enormous, and I mean for Catherine the pressure is just a given. 

    “There’s no doubt that it’s going to be an immensely sensitive period. In Williams case he doesn’t want the pressure and the publicity that all this would give. Also he’s he is obviously stubborn.”

  • William and Harry’s reunion would be ‘very brief’ and ‘carefully choreographed’

    Any reunion between Prince Harry and William in the wake of Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis would be “very brief”, a royal author has said.

    Tom Quinn told The Mirror: “Given Kate’s cancer diagnosis, Harry will certainly make efforts to see his brother and Kate when he returns to the UK in May.

    “If it happens at all it’s to be a very brief carefully choreographed meeting and organised to last a short time so that the brothers can avoid any difficult conversations.”

  • William and Kate’s former spokesperson slams online trolls

    Kate Middleton was subject to a slew of online conspiracy theories prior to her announcement that she had been diagnosed with cancer.

    Now, a former spokesman for William and Kate has blasted the online hate shown towards the couple.

    Paddy Harverson told BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: “It’s a sort of permanent doom loop. And it’s the worst I’ve ever seen.”

  • What did Princess Kate say in her statement?

    Kate Middleton said: “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.

    “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. 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 am now in the early stages of that treatment.

    “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.

    “We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.

    “At this time, I am 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.”

  • Meghan and Harry ‘bottom’ of Will and Kate’s priorities

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were at the “bottom” of William and Kate’s priorities ahead of their announcement, according to royal author Phil Dampier.

    Phil Dampier told The Sun: “The Sussexes weren’t told about it because the relationship between William and Harry is at an all-time low…

    “It’s quite simple. I don’t think with all they’ve had to cope with in the last couple of weeks, dealing with Harry and Meghan would certainly have been bottom of their list.”

  • 'Kate was RIGHT to do her cancer video alone'

    Kate Middleton was right to do her cancer video alone without William, says a royal expert.

    The Princess of Wales made a video address from a bench in Windsor on Friday evening to reveal she'd been undergoing treatment for cancer.

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