Featured Image Credit: ITV/Ian Vogler - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Topics: Health, Celebrity, Strictly Come Dancing, Kate Middleton, Amy Dowden
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Health, Celebrity, Strictly Come Dancing, Kate Middleton, Amy Dowden
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has given her fans a delightful update on her breast cancer journey this week, revealing she's recently received a very special visit from a certain Royal.
The professional dancer broke the news of her heartbreaking diagnosis in May last year - revealing at the time that her cancer had reached grade III before it was discovered - has since given her adoring fanbase regular updates.
In the last 12 months, the 33-year-old has undergone a mastectomy, received a second diagnosis of 'another type of cancer', had chemotherapy, contracted sepsis and suffered a broken foot and a blood clot.
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In February this year, however, the BBC favourite - who was forced to take a step back from the hit reality competition during last year's instalment - broke the incredible news that her latest check up indicated 'no evidence of the disease' in her body, although she won't get an official 'all clear' for another five years.
Since then, Wales-born Amy has consistently thanked her colossal fan-base for all their support throughout her health journey.
And appearing on Loose Women yesterday, the dancing champ went on to reveal she believes a visit she received from a very special someone whilst undergoing chemotherapy also assisted in her recovery.
ITV viewers were immediately surprised to learn that it was actually Kate Middleton who'd tended to the Strictly star in her hour of need.
Speaking on the lunch-time women's panel show, Amy even revealed that the Princess of Wales had made her an unbelievably special offer during their catch-up.
"I was lucky enough to meet [Kate] during my chemo treatment," the on-screen icon gushed. "And she gave me so much time. She was so kind.
"Actually, her words were, 'Let us know if there's anything we can do.'"
The widely-adored Princess herself announced that she was receiving cancer treatment in an emotional statement last month.
In the video, mother-of-three Kate thanked the public for their concern over her health in recent weeks - following much speculation over her wellbeing - explaining that after her successful major abdominal surgery, 'tests after the operation found cancer had been present'.
"My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment," Kate said in a statement released on 22 March.
"As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
"But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok."
Now, speaking on Kate's own diagnosis, Amy told Loose Women viewers that she understood the Princess' reluctancy to speak out.
"Just knowing that she's finding out that she has to have chemo and knowing what you have to go through," the dancer explained. "Emotionally, my family, whilst I was going for treatment, I don't think my parents slept."
Amy went on: "I can't tell you how many times my parents would say they would do anything to take it away from me or them to have it instead of me.
"My mum's had cancer twice and it's just the thought [Kate] has to go through it in the public eye and she's got three young children.
"I don't want anyone to go through it, it's still very raw to me."