Sarah, Duchess of York, has joined a chorus of support for Catherine, Princess of Wales, following the princess's recent revelation that she is undergoing cancer treatment.
Having previously disclosed her own battle with skin cancer, Sarah Ferguson took to Instagram on March 25 to express her solidarity with the former Kate Middleton during this challenging period.
In her post, Sarah conveyed her heartfelt thoughts and prayers for Catherine's well-being, emphasizing her belief that the princess will be enveloped by the love of her family and the collective prayers for a positive outcome.
On March 23, a spokesperson for Kensington Palace conveyed that Kate and her husband Prince William have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of well-wishes from people around the globe.
The palace stated, "They are extremely touched by the public’s warmth and support and are appreciative of the understanding shown regarding their request for privacy during this challenging time."
In a video released on March 22, Kate revealed that she has entered the "early stages" of preventative chemotherapy treatment after medical examinations revealed the presence of cancer following her abdominal surgery in January.
Since then, messages of support have flooded in for the princess, including those from her family members, such as Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, as well as from United States President Joe Biden, and many others.
The widespread support underscores the global concern and solidarity with Kate as she confronts this health challenge.
Sarah Ferguson
On March 25, the Duchess of York took to Instagram to extend her support to Kate during her treatment, while also reflecting on her own journey battling cancer this year.
Beginning her message with empathy and solidarity, Sarah expressed, “All my thoughts and prayers are with the Princess of Wales as she starts her treatment.” She continued by emphasizing her belief that Kate will be surrounded by the love of her family and the prayers of many for a positive outcome.
Acknowledging her own recent diagnosis of skin cancer and her treatment for breast cancer last year, Sarah reflected on the strength and courage displayed by Kate in publicly addressing her diagnosis. She commended Kate's openness, recognizing its potential to raise awareness and support for those facing similar challenges.
Concluding her message with a heartfelt plea for Kate's healing process, Sarah hoped that she would be granted the necessary time, space, and privacy to recover.
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has released a statement expressing his thoughts and the collective support of the entire nation for the princess during her recovery.
Acknowledging the princess's remarkable courage in the face of prolonged speculation and unfounded theories surrounding her health and whereabouts, the prime minister denounced the unjust treatment she has endured, particularly on social media platforms.
Sunak emphasized the importance of granting Kate the privacy she deserves, especially in matters of health, asserting that she, like anyone else, should be able to focus on her treatment and be surrounded by her loved ones without undue scrutiny.
Kate's most recent public appearance was during the Christmas period. Following her planned abdominal surgery, announced by Kensington Palace on January 17, it was stated that she would not resume public duties until after Easter. Although the palace mentioned an expected hospital stay of 10 to 14 days, specific details about her condition were not disclosed.
The princess's limited public presence fueled widespread speculation and viral theories concerning both Kate and the royal family. Additionally, a U.K. newspaper reported allegations of unauthorized attempts by at least one staff member at the London Clinic, where Kate underwent surgery, to access her medical records.
King Charles III
The announcement of Kate's treatment garnered support from her father-in-law, King Charles III, who himself had been diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace shared in a statement that following the release of Kate's video, Charles expressed his pride in her courage to speak out about her diagnosis.
According to the statement, Charles has maintained close contact with Kate following their shared time in the hospital. The palace had announced the king's diagnosis on February 5, disclosing that he had discovered he had cancer following a procedure for prostate enlargement. While the palace clarified that it was not prostate cancer, they did not specify the exact type.
The statement further conveyed that King Charles and Queen Camilla would continue to extend their love and support to the entire family during this challenging period.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden
Shortly after Kensington Palace shared the video, Joe Biden reposted it on his official platform with a message of support for Kate.
"Jill and I join millions around the world in praying for your full recovery, Princess Kate," he expressed.
Additionally, First Lady Jill Biden also shared the video on her own official platform, adding her words of encouragement: "You are brave and we love you. ~Jill"
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his support for Kate shortly after the video was released, sharing a message on his official platform.
"My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, her children, and the entire Royal Family following the news of her cancer, so courageously shared," Trudeau wrote.
He continued, "On behalf of Canadians, I'm sending my support as she undergoes treatment. We're all wishing her a swift recovery."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
On the same day that Kate's video was released on March 22, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, conveyed their wishes of healing to her.
In a statement obtained by NBC News, Prince Harry and Meghan expressed, "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace."
James Middleton
Kate's brother, James Middleton, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt throwback photo in honor of his sister, accompanied by an uplifting message.
"Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too," he wrote, adding mountain and red heart emojis to convey solidarity and love.
Charles Spencer
Charles Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana, took to Instagram to share a message of support.
"Incredible poise and strength," he captioned a post on March 23, acknowledging Kate's remarkable composure and resilience during this challenging time.
Jamie Lee Curtis
On March 22, just hours before Kensington Palace posted Kate's video, actor Jamie Lee Curtis took to Instagram to address the conspiracy theories surrounding the princess's health.
"Can we please just STOP with this bulls--- conspiracy theory? This is a human being with young children, and clearly some sort of a health issue. That is a private matter," Curtis wrote, urging for an end to speculation and respect for Kate's privacy.
After Kate shared her diagnosis, Curtis added an "afterword" in the comments section of her post, reiterating her stance and emphasizing the importance of sending best wishes to Kate and her family.
"And now Princess Kate has told us about her health and now we should send nothing but our best wishes to her and her family and focus on our own lives and the lives of people directly related to us, and the myriad life-threatening issues to our children that we can focus on," she concluded.
Maria Shriver
On March 22, Maria Shriver echoed a similar sentiment to Jamie Lee Curtis' on Instagram, sharing a photo of Kate and urging her followers to extend kindness to the princess during this challenging time.
"I hope everyone will leave her alone and allow the privacy she and her family need," Shriver captioned the post. "Now is a time of healing and hope. Now is a time to pray for health. And let this be a reminder that we never know what someone is going through."
Continuing her message, Shriver emphasized the importance of compassion and kindness in our interactions with others. "Let us keep walking through the world with compassion, and rather than assuming the worst, just offer kindness," she added, concluding with the hashtag #abovethenoise.
Shannen Doherty
On March 22, actor Shannen Doherty passionately defended Kate in an emotional message shared on Instagram, asserting that being a public figure does not grant the public the right to intrude on the princess's personal life.
"We ALL have the right to go through illness or life privately," Doherty wrote, condemning the onslaught of conspiracy theories and invasive curiosity that compelled Kate to address her diagnosis prematurely, before she had fully processed it or explained it to her children.
"I pray this is a learning moment for us all to respect the privacy of others, regardless of their public status," she continued. Directing her message to Princess Kate, Doherty expressed admiration for her strength in enduring the relentless scrutiny amid battling cancer.
Olivia Munn
Actor Olivia Munn, who bravely shared her own breast cancer diagnosis recently, expressed her gratitude to the princess in a heartfelt comment on Instagram.
"Thank you for showing what it's like to fight with grace and determination for yourself and for your family. Wishing you all the best," Munn wrote, accompanying her message with three white hearts, symbolizing her support and well wishes.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Welsh-born actor Catherine Zeta-Jones also took to Kate's comment section to express her support.
"Wales and the World is with you," she wrote, appending a black heart emoji. "HRH Princess of Wales. Love to you always."
Gwyneth Paltrow
In the comments section of the video, actor Gwyneth Paltrow expressed her admiration for Kate, writing, "A pillar of grace and strength! Sending love."
Rita Wilson
As a cancer survivor herself, Rita Wilson shared a photo of Kate on Instagram on March 22, along with a heartfelt message about the princess's announcement.
"The Princess of Wales, with courage, has announced she has cancer. She has a right to keep her health private. We all do. Or should, anyway. Much reflection goes into whether or not one chooses to reveal a diagnosis," she stated. "I hope she didn’t feel pressured, in any way, to let the world know, but I am sure her announcement will help women everywhere who may be going through cancer treatment themselves."
Wilson also revealed that she resonated with Kate's message in her announcement video, expressing her hope that the princess feels the support of those wishing her the best in health.
"She is a mother. Unless you’ve gone through something like this, and the mothers out there know this, all that matters is being there for your children. It’s everything you want. I hope you all send your prayers and good thoughts to Kate for a cancer-free future. Xo," she concluded.