Richard Fitzwilliams, expert on the royal family, deciphers the video

UNITED KINGDOM – This is an unprecedented situation for the British royal family. After King Charles III, who announced in early February that he was being treated for cancer, Kate Middleton, 42, revealed in a video broadcast on Friday March 22 that she was undergoing preventive chemotherapy to treat the disease.

Sitting on a bench at Windsor Castle, where she lives with Prince William and their three children, the very popular Princess of Wales explains, in these images, that the cancer – the nature of which she does not reveal – was discovered after her abdominal surgery undergone in January.

An unprecedented communication, both in form and substance. Contacted by HuffPostroyal family specialist Richard Fitzwilliams deciphers this video announcement and what it says about the period experienced by the British crown.

HuffPost. How is the UK reacting after Kate Middleton's cancer announcement?

Richard Fitzwilliams. It's a shock. We now understand better the mysterious cancellation, at the last minute, of Prince William's appearance on February 27, at a ceremony in memory of his godfather, King Constantine of Greece, justified by a ” personal reason “.

There is obviously great compassion, the country is behind it. The princess' video message is very touching, there is an obvious vulnerability.

What do you think made Kensington Palace decide to record this video?

Something had to be done, and that’s what was decided. This was important given that the Princess of Wales will not resume her activities after Easter, as was expected. We don't yet know when she will return.

Kate Middleton makes Princess Diana reference when she talks about 'time and space'
Richard Fitzwilliams

To a certain extent, you could say that this message was forced, because of the tsunami that we have seen in recent weeks, between the false allegations on one side and the things that have not been explained properly on the other. 'other. It also highlights the fact that if you are in the spotlight, a member of the royal family and a future queen, you are in the eye of the storm. It is very difficult for a family of three children at the center of attention to cope with such an event. And obviously, that was essential in the timing of this video. This also shows that she is incredibly dedicated and dedicated to her task.

What's interesting is that Kate Middleton makes a reference to Princess Diana in this video, when she speaks “time and space” which she says she needs during her treatment. Like Diana in her speech in 1993 (for the charity Headway, in which she announced that she wanted a “more private life”editor’s note).

The British royal family has regularly been associated with the motto “never complain, never explain” (“Never complain, never justify yourself”). Does this video announcement mark a break?

It's something new. The “Wales” reign with the times. The Princess of Wales, in the video, wears casual clothes, she is not particularly made-up. The times are different, Queen Elizabeth II would not have done the same thing. She had grown up in another era, she communicated in another way, and often very effectively, as she did during Covid.

I think most people would like to stick to “never explain” when it comes to illness. Nobody wants to talk about this. But the royal family says it can help other people also affected by cancer. Kate Middleton had this in mind, but also her children, when deciding to make this video.

Do you think this announcement could put an end to the rumors about Kate Middleton's health?

Some of the speculation has been absolutely monstrous. I think there's going to be a complete change in attitude from those who were skeptical. But those who posted monstrous messages will no doubt continue, because that is their way of thinking. The problem is that even people with the best intentions didn't realize what was happening. Nobody realized.

Could this announcement have an effect on the popularity of the royal family?

We'll have to wait to see. The popularity of the royal family has plunged among younger people. This news will remind the public that the members of this family are above all human beings, even if the illness of King Charles III has already reminded us of this.

How will the royal family work from now on?

Only four active members are under 70 years old. And, of course, the Prince and Princess of Wales are the future of the family. From this point of view, it's complicated: how do you organize a trip abroad or any other commitment? You can't replan a trip if you don't know how you're going to feel in the near future. The princess had notably planned to go to Italy.

They will work thanks to Queen Camilla, who will do a lot. William will do what he can, despite the enormous pressure. People will have to accept the fact that they will do less in the short term.

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