Exclusive
FLYING SOLO
Princess Kate was RIGHT to do her cancer video alone without William…her critics need therapy, royal expert says
Watch our exclusive interview with Royal expert Dickie Arbiter
PRINCESS Kate 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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And now royal commentator Dickie Arbiter has accused anyone who criticised Kate's video of needing therapy.
The Queen's former aide told The Sun's Royal Exclusive show: "I was angry that all sort of people came off social media and said why isn't William there.
"It wasn't William's message, it was her message and it was right that she did it on her own."
Dicky praised the royal, 42, for putting a spotlight on others also going through a cancer diagnosis.
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He added: "The fact she swung it away from her and to people who are in the same circumstances, it was an incredible thing to do. Unfortunately it brought an element of negativity.
"We should push that to one side because people who talk negatively about that sort of thing just really need to get a life, they haven't got a life. They need therapy."
Dicky's daughter Victoria added that Princess Kate had shown "grace under fire" through the video.
She added: "The way she delivered it was impeccable."
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Dicky said it was "personal" and there was "nothing contrived", adding: "It was spoken deep from the heart."
In the short clip Princess Kate said the diagnosis had come as a "huge shock" - but vowed: "I am well and getting stronger every day".
Princess Kate, has cancer and says she’s been having chemo treatment but is now ‘getting stronger’ in video message
Sitting on a bench at Windsor for the poignant clip, the royal thanked her husband Prince William for his support.
Her voice also cracked as she said she has broken the news to George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and five-year-old Louis.
The Princess of Wales added: "This of course came as a huge shock. William and I have been doing everything I can to process this privately for the sake of our young family.
"As you can imagine this has taken time. It has taken time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
"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 I’m getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body and spirit.
"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."
Kate said the family now needs "time, space and privacy" while she completes her treatment.
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She will not be returning to public duties for the foreseeable future.
The princess added: "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 lives affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease in whatever form please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone."
TIME TO RECOVER
Kate has remained absent from any official duties following major abdominal surgery in January.
Her diagnosis is the second cancer shock to hit the royal family after King Charles revealed he was also undergoing treatment.
The "proud" King released a statement from Buckingham Palace to reveal he remained in close contact with his "beloved daughter-in-law".
He added that both he and Camilla will "continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time'."
Kate's brother James Middleton also shared a touching picture and message to his sister after the shock diagnosis was revealed.
He wrote: "Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too."
Kate said she initially had no signs of cancer but post-op tests showed the disease had been "present".
She has not revealed what type of cancer she has but said she is in the early stages of treatment.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed Kate started a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February and is now on a "recovery pathway".
The diagnosis was the reason William pulled out of an event last month for a "personal matter".
The Palace was unable to say when chemotherapy treatment will end and said Kate had spoken to the King.
It also confirmed Prince William will continue to "balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year".
He is expected to return to royal duties after the Easter school holidays.
Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEBRUARY 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate's health
MARCH 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
MARCH 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day - then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
MARCH 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
MARCH 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
MARCH 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
MARCH 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
March 22: Kate released video revealing she has been receiving treatment for abdominal surgery
Kate's abdominal procedure took place at the London Clinic on January 16, it was previously confirmed.
It was understood she would be absent from royal duties until after the Easter break.
Kate was last officially seen with her family at the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham.
Her absence has been plagued by vile conspiracy theories over her whereabouts in the weeks that followed the announcement.
GLOBAL FURORE
On March 4, Kate was seen for the first time since her operation. as she rode in a car with mum Carole, 69.
That same week, she shared a sweet snap of herself with Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte for Mother's Day.
But eagle-eyed royal fans were quick to spot flaws in the snap - before photo agencies ordered a "kill notice" on the pic.
This caused further vile conspiracy theories to spread - before Kate admitted on March 11 that she had "experimented with editing".
She was spotted in the car with Prince William as they left Windsor Castle that afternoon.
Kate was later said to be “very sad” that the sweet photograph had triggered a global furore.
Then, on Saturday, royal fans spotted Princess Kate out and about near her home at Windsor.
On Monday, Kate was seen in a video obtained by The Sun shopping with Prince William.
How Kate Middleton’s brave cancer video ‘will save lives’ after it inspired hundreds of thousands of Brits to get checked
THE Princess of Wales’s shock revelation that she is being treated for cancer has inspired hundreds of thousands to get checked.
Cancer charities and the NHS saw a surge in online visitors following Kate’s video address on Friday.
Prof Peter Johnson, cancer chief at NHS England, said her brave decision to speak out will save lives.
Visits to the NHS cancer symptoms webpage averaged one every three seconds in the hours that followed.
There were 4,172 searches from 6pm to 9pm – more than double the usual rate.
Visits to the cancer homepage were also five times higher than normal over 24 hours.
Professor Johnson praised Kate’s courageous decision to speak out, calling it a lifesaver.
He said: “Receiving a cancer diagnosis turns your life upside down and speaking about it can be really difficult.
“The Princess of Wales bravely speaking out about her diagnosis will help others to do the same.
“Thanks to this, we have seen a spike in people visiting vital information on our website about signs and symptoms.
“There is no doubt that talking about cancer saves lives if it encourages people to come forward sooner if things aren’t right.”
The diagnosis comes as three workers at The London Clinic are investigated over allegations they attempted to hack Kate's medical records.
Bosses at the hospital have refused to confirm when they were first made aware of the allegation, whether anyone had been suspended, or if any private information was accessed.
The London Clinic's chief executive Al Russell said in a statement: “Everyone at The London Clinic is acutely aware of our individual, professional, ethical and legal duties with regards to patient confidentiality.
“We take enormous pride in the outstanding care and discretion we aim to deliver for all our patients that put their trust in us every day.
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“We have systems in place to monitor management of patient information and, in the case of any breach, all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken.
“There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues.”
How other royals have also been rocked by health battles this year
THE past few months have seen members of the royal family struck down by various health battles. Here is a rundown:
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery.JAN 17: It is announced that the King is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside.JAN 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen.
JAN 21: It is announced Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a skin cancer.
JAN 23: Kate’s hospital stay passes one week. JAN 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment.
JAN 29: The King is discharged from hospital. Kate leaves the same day.
JAN 31: Queen Camilla announces that the King is “getting on, doing his best”.
FEBRUARY 5: Buckingham Palace announces the King has cancer, but not of the prostate, and will not carry out public-facing duties.FEB 18: The King appears in good spirits as he attends a Sunday church service in the grounds of Sandringham.FEB 23: The King filmed crying and chuckling while opening some of the 7,000 cards from well-wishers.
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate's health.
MARCH 4: Kate Middleton pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate.
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