Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II, also commented on the backlash over the Photoshopping error, telling the publication: “It was like being on a roller coaster for them… undergoing chemotherapy and trying to protect your children.
“It was like being in the middle of a tornado and not knowing when it was going to calm down.”
On 22 March, Kate publicly shared her diagnosis through an emotional video, revealing she was in the early stages of treatment.
“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful,” she said at the time.
Around that period, her father-in-law, King Charles, was also diagnosed with cancer, with reports suggesting that her husband, Prince William, learned of both illnesses “within a couple of weeks.”
Jason Knauf, who worked for the Waleses until 2021, previously spoke on 60 Minutes Australia about how the family’s health struggles may have affected William.
“If you’re Prince William, you find out that both your wife and your father have cancer…” Knauf reflected during the February interview.
“I mean, I couldn’t believe it.”
Recalling a supposed phone call between him and William after Kate’s diagnosis, the former aide added: “It was awful, absolutely awful.
“It’s the lowest I’ve ever seen him.”
Last September, Kate shared that she had completed chemotherapy and was gradually resuming her royal duties.
Then, in January, while visiting the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, the Princess confirmed that her cancer was in remission.
“I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year,” she expressed at the time. “My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.”
Kate also added, “We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”
