Topics: Cancer, Health, Kate Middleton, News, Royal Family, UK News, Prince William, Mental Health
In a royal rarity, James Middleton - the brother of the Princess of Wales - has spoken to press about his sister's heartbreaking battle with cancer.
Kate, 43, announced in March of last year that she'd been diagnosed with the devastating disease following months of absence from the public eye and mass speculation regarding her wellbeing, but opted not to disclose which strain.
In an emotional video, the mother-of-three revealed she'd undergone planned abdominal surgery, and was in the midst of receiving treatment behind the scenes.
Following a summer predominantly out of the spotlight, Kate broke the news in September with a similarly tear-jerking clip that she'd concluded with chemotherapy, and would be continuing with her royal duties soon.
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The video, which included her husband Prince William and their children, Princes George and Louis, and Princess Charlotte, marked one of the handful of occasions that Kate has opened up about her cancer journey.
"Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life," she told viewers.
William also remained similarly tight-lipped about his wife's wellbeing, aside from telling attendees to the the Earthshot Prize Award rehearsals in Cape Town in November: "She's doing really well thanks. Hopefully she's watching tonight and cheering me on."
This week, however, Kate's younger brother, James, has opened up about the family's 'challenges'.
Speaking to The Times, the 38-year-old entrepreneur admitted: "For her and her family it was a challenging time, and I know for us and our bigger family it was a challenging time, but I think it’s about communication and it's about offering support and help where you can."
James went on to emphasise how much he believes William's support aided Kate in her recovery.
"Being there for someone is such an important part," he continued.
"And it doesn't necessarily have to be on your terms and it shouldn't be on your terms.
"It should be on their terms; unconditional: 'I’m not doing it for something in return. I’m doing it because I love you.'"
James added: "And that’s the simplest way of really demonstrating love.
"You can do it in all these various fancy ways but actually, you know, it is just generally being there."
Back in January, the Princess confirmed that her cancer was now in remission during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea.
Kate gushed at the time: "I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year. My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything."
She continued: "We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional."
