Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis: From apologies to well wishes, here’s how celebs reacted to the news
How royals and celebrities reacted to Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis
Kate Middleton is receiving support from all around the world during a difficult period. Several celebrities, politicians, and royal family members expressed their views following the Princess of Wales' announcement on Friday, March 22, that she had been diagnosed with cancer. The Princess of Wales got a lot of support from celebrities like Olivia Munn and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Kate broke her silence about her health journey in a poignant video after largely avoiding the spotlight since having a stomach surgery in January.
1. King Charles and Queen Camilla
According to a spokesman for Buckingham Palace, the King—who revealed his own cancer diagnosis in February—is "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did". The representative informed E! News that Charles and Camilla "will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time", and that Charles has "remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks".
2. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex expressed their sincere support for Prince William and their sister-in-law after learning that the Princess of Wales had been diagnosed with cancer and has been receiving preventative chemotherapy. In a statement to E! News, Kate's estranged brother-in-law Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan Markle stated, "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace."
3. Blake Lively
Blake Lively has apologized profusely for her foolish joke about Kate Middleton, which she made only days before the Princess of Wales revealed she has cancer. Blake posted an apology on Instagram Stories on March 22, just after Kate revealed her diagnosis. "I'm sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this," Blake said. "I made a silly post around the 'photoshop fails' frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today. I'm sorry."
4. Joe Biden
The commander-in-chief posted on X, saying, "Jill and I join millions around the world in praying for your full recovery, Princess Kate." The Biden Cancer Initiative, co-led by Jill and her husband, President Joe Biden, aims to eradicate cancer as it exists today.
5. Jill Biden
First Lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden wished Kate Middleton well on Friday, March 22, following her announcement of her shocking cancer diagnosis. "You are brave, and we love you," wrote the First Lady on X to the Princess of Wales, echoing the sentiment. The Bidens have a close personal connection to the illness. In 2015, their son Beau Biden died from brain cancer. Jill Biden has witnessed friends and one of her sisters combat breast cancer.
6. Casey DeSantis
Casey DeSantis—who received a breast cancer diagnosis in October 2021 and underwent chemotherapy—also contributed to the outpouring of support for Catherine, Princess of Wales, following her revelation that she is receiving "preventative" chemotherapy and has been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 42. "From one mom to another, you’ve got this. If I can beat it, so can you. Have faith, stay strong, and fight like hell. We’re praying for you!" the Florida First Lady wrote on X.
7. Ivanka Trump
With the Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis announced, Ivanka Trump has joined the White House in extending her support to her and the royal family. In response to the princess' Instagram post, Ivanka—a former White House advisor to her father, former President Donald Trump—wrote, "Sending love and prayers to you and your family." Ivanka wrote in parts in a lengthy post on X: "I am deeply saddened to hear about Princess Kate's diagnosis. Amidst the trials she faces, her strength and grace continue to shine brightly."
8. Catherine Zeta-Zones
Wales-born Catherine Zeta-Jones—who was named a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) by the current King Charles III in 2011—shared a smiling picture of Kate on Instagram with the caption, "Wales and the World is with you ♥️ HRH Princess of Wales. Love to you always."
9. Olivia Munn
Olivia Munn, who recently shared her story of overcoming breast cancer, sympathetically applauded Kate's fortitude and emphasized the value of perseverance in the face of difficulty. The 'Newsroom' alum who revealed on March 13 that she has been battling breast cancer, commented on Kensington Palace's Instagram video of Kate saying: "Thank you for showing what it's like to fight with grace and determination for yourself and your family. Wishing you all the best," per E! News.
10. Justin Trudeau
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated, "My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, her children, and the entire Royal Family following the news of her cancer so courageously shared. On behalf of Canadians, I’m sending my support as she undergoes treatment. We’re all wishing her a swift recovery."
11. Rishi Sunak
In the wake of the Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has blasted "certain sections of the media" for treating Kate Middleton unfairly and has given her best wishes. Meanwhile, Sunak issued a lengthy statement on X, which read in part: "The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery. She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today."
12. Martina Navratilova
Amid widespread rumors regarding her health, Kate Middleton clarified the situation by saying that following abdominal surgery in January, cancer was found in her body. Middleton received her best wishes from former professional tennis player Martina Navratilova, who fought against a second cancer diagnosis in 2023. Navratilova wrote on X, "And we wish her good health and a cancer free body soon!!! Xoxox."
