King Charles 'toddles' down hospital hallway to support daughter-in-law Kate Middleton during cancer diagnosis

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Reports indicate that during King Charles and his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton's hospitalization following their January surgeries, observers noted the monarch "toddled" down a hospital hallway while wearing a robe.

In January 2024, the future queen, who disclosed her cancer diagnosis on Friday, March 22, and the monarch, were both hospitalized as inpatients at the prestigious clinic in Marylebone, North London, for extensive surgeries, per Daily Mail.

King Charles reportedly 'encouraged and supported Kate throughout'

The 75-year-old monarch would often visit the 43-year-old Princess of Wales at the London Clinic, where Kate underwent abdominal surgery and Charles received treatment for an enlarged prostate.

According to insiders who spoke to the Sunday Times, King Charles, who was receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate, was observed "toddling" from his hospital bed to follow Princess Kate down the hallway.

"When they were in hospital together there was a lot of toddling down the corridor to spend time with her. He has been encouraging and supporting her throughout," said the insider.

They further added, "The King has always had a close, warm and unique relationship with the princess. She has a great love and respect for him and his position."

Princess Kate was diagnosed with cancer after undergoing a major abdominal surgery that was initially believed to be for a benign ailment. Millions of people across will find solace in the thought of the witty King consoling his daughter-in-law while they both face serious health setbacks.

According to The Sunday Times, the pair have been in regular phone contact over the past few weeks as family strife has subsided after both families became aware of their grave medical illnesses.

Since then, Charles "has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks," according to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson, per the New York Post.

According to Buckingham Palace, Charles and Queen Consort Camilla "will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time."

King Charles and Princess Kate had lunch together the day before her cancer announcement

On Thursday, March 21, Charles, who is also afflicted with the illness, traveled from London to have a private lunch with his "beloved daughter-in-law" Kate. It was held in Windsor Castle, with only the two Royals present, an insider told The Sun.

"They would have had lots to discuss and share because just weeks earlier the King had begun his course of treatment and dealt with announcing his diagnosis," the source continued.

"The King left his lunch feeling very emotional. They are very close and he thinks of Catherine as his daughter."

The insider added, "There is no doubt there is a lot they can share and can use each other for support during their own deeply personal cancer battles."

"There is a very strong relationship between their majesties and the Waleses. They are very close, even more so at the moment," noted another insider.

Individuals familiar with the family asserted that the challenges faced by both of the elder royals had brought them closer together. Additionally, it's reported that Queen Camilla maintains constant communication with Kate and serves as a steadfast source of support.

For the past few weeks, Kate and her husband William have been on leave from their work to spend time with their three children: George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and Louis, 5.