Jump directly to the content
Live Blog
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...

  • ‘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."

  • Does King Charles mention Kate Middleton during speech?

    While the King does not directly refer to his and his daughter-in-law's health, his words will be interpreted as reflecting 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.

  • 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.”

  • Queen Camilla arrives at service

    Queen Camilla has arrived at the annual Maundy Thursday Service.

    Camilla has stepped in for King Charles and will hand out ceremonial coins to 75 men and 75 women — the number reflecting Charles's age.

  • 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 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.”

  • 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.”

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • ‘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.”

  • 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."

  • England manager Gareth Southgate shares statement of support

    England coach Gareth Southgate sent his “best wishes” to Princess Kate after her cancer diagnosis.

    “Clearly we’ve just heard about the Princess of Wales and we just wanted to send our thoughts and best wishes to her and all of her family,” Southgate said on Friday.

    “It was a remarkably dignified statement that she gave and we obviously have a very close relationship with the family.

    “So we’re very upset to hear the news but hopefully everything goes well.”

  • Kate was correct to do cancer video alone, royal expert says

    Princess Kate was right to do her cancer announcement video without Prince William, a royal commentator has said.

    Dickie Arbiter slammed trolls who questioned why William was not featured in last Friday's short video.

    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."

  • What is King Charles expected to say in his Easter address?

    King Charles will address the nation today in a special pre-recorded Easter message.

    In the short message, His Majesty will say how, as a nation, “we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need”.

    He will praise Maundy money recipients as “wonderful examples of such kindness”.

    He also will read from the Bible and say how the Lord Jesus set us an "example of how we should serve and care for each other".

  • 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.”

  • 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.”

  • King Charles to address the nation days after Princess Kate announcement

    King Charles will address the nation with a special pre-recorded Easter message today.

    This comes just days after Princess Kate announced she was being treated for cancer.

    The King, who is also being treated for cancer, is hoping to attend the annual Easter Sunday service in Windsor.

  • Will and Kate’s online popularity soars

    The Prince and Princess of Wales have seen a huge uptick in their online following in recent days.

    The couple’s Instagram following has soared by 500,000 this week, according to data by OnlineCasinos365, as the public rallies around Princess Kate.

    This marks the couple’s largest boost in online followers since the King named them the Prince and Princess of Wales in September 2022.

  • 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 will Kate Middleton return to royal duties?

    It is understood that Princess Kate will not be returning to her royal duties until she is good and ready after a difficult cancer diagnosis.

    One upcoming event she will not be taking part in is the traditional royal Easter service next week.

    In the video posted where she announced her diagnosis, she said: “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.”

    Prince William and their three children will also not be expected to attend the event at St George’s Chapel, which takes place on the grounds of the Berkshire Castle for the Easter Day Mattins.

Topics