Prince William's Emotional Struggle: Coping with Cancer Diagnoses of Kate and King Charles
February 24, 2025
A former royal aide, Jason Knauf, revealed the emotional turmoil Prince William experienced after receiving cancer diagnoses for both his wife, Kate Middleton, and his father, King Charles, within a short span.
Knauf recounted a particularly distressing phone call with William regarding Kate's cancer diagnosis, which was publicly disclosed in March 2024, describing it as 'the lowest I've ever seen him.'
The news of Kate's cancer diagnosis significantly impacted William's mental state, as reported by The Sun newspaper.
Knauf, who has a diverse background in public service and corporate affairs, was recognized in the 2023 New Year Honours List for his service to the monarchy.
In a candid moment in November 2024, William expressed that year as 'probably the hardest year of my life,' reflecting on the challenges of maintaining family stability amidst turmoil.
Kate announced her cancer was in remission on January 14, 2025, expressing relief while acknowledging the adjustment process following her diagnosis.
The simultaneous cancer diagnoses created a challenging situation for the royal family, leading to intense speculation and conspiracy theories about Kate's health due to her public absence.
Amidst the health crisis, there was concern over how to communicate the news to their children, as they had not yet informed them about Kate's illness.
William and Kate faced the additional challenge of explaining the diagnoses to their children, focusing on their protection and well-being during this difficult time.
Royal biographer Robert Hardman noted that Kate chose to delay announcing her illness to maintain a sense of normalcy for their children, prioritizing family over public perception.
In 2024, both Kate and King Charles underwent treatment for cancer; Kate is now in remission while King Charles continues his ongoing treatment.
Knauf also acknowledged the strain in the relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry, emphasizing the difficulties posed by public scrutiny.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources

The Mirror • Feb 24, 2025
Prince William's devastating phone call about Kate's cancer laid bare by ex-aide
Evening Standard • Feb 23, 2025
William was at his ‘lowest’ after Kate’s cancer diagnosis – former royal aide
Us Weekly • Feb 23, 2025
Prince Wiliam’s Former Aide on Kate Middleton’s Cancer Diagnosis