King had ’emotional’ lunch with Kate hours before cancer diagnosis was announced
'They are very close and he thinks of Catherine as his daughter.'
King Charles had a private ‘heart to heart’ with daughter-in-law Kate Middleton the day before she publicly spoke about her cancer diagnosis.
He travelled from London to Windsor for the ’emotional’ lunch with the Princess of Wales, where he spoke about his own battle with cancer.
Both senior royals began treatment for undisclosed forms of cancer this year,
‘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,’ a source told The Sun.
‘It is highly unusual for just the two of them to sit down together like this.
‘The King left his lunch feeling very emotional.
‘They are very close and he thinks of Catherine as his daughter.’
The King had already been aware of Kate’s health struggles, but this was the first time they were able to privately discuss it in detail, it was reported.
Charles has been receiving treatment for cancer since early February after he was treated for an enlarged prostate at the same hospital where Kate had abdominal surgery.
He is said to be proud of his ‘beloved’ daughter-in-law for her courage in speaking about her treatment and has remained in close contact during the past few weeks.
Kate, 42, revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy in a video message on Friday that gave an answer to months of speculation following an undisclosed abdominal surgery in January.
She and William were said to be touched by the outpouring of support as she continues with treatment.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said yesterday: ‘The prince and princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message.
‘They are extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time.’
Words of support also came from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who said: ‘We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.’
The form of cancer has not been disclosed, but the future queen began a course of ‘preventative chemotherapy’ late in February, and is said to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as ‘well and getting stronger every day’.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.