Royal expert Jennie Bond sees this as yet another sign of the deep trust, respect, and support Charles has consistently shown Kate over the years.
It was Bond who revealed that Charles and Kate had lunch together at Windsor Castle less than a day before her video was released—a meeting that left Charles deeply emotional.
“There’s no doubt that cancer has cemented an already strong relationship. It’s very touching to think of Charles toddling down the corridor to see Kate when they were both in hospital. And it is understood that the King was left very emotional after their one-on-one lunch at Windsor Castle the day after she recorded her broadcast,” Bond shared.
He added, “There are so very few people in whom a senior royal can confide, certain that everything they say will be secure. I’m sure that both Charles and Kate have found it comforting to be able to discuss their emotions as well as the chemotherapy treatment and how it has made them feel.”
In Charles, Kate isn’t looking for a father figure, but the two have formed a “genuinely affectionate relationship.”
“After all, remember how Diana said Charles had always wanted a daughter. And he loves the grandchildren and now sees much more of them either at Windsor or Sandringham,” the royal expert continued.
“It must be particularly tough for the children to know that both their grandfather and their mother are ill. But I’m sure Charles, like Kate, tries to shield them from that and carries on being a fun grandpa as much as he can in their tight knit little group.”
“The King had already been made aware that the woman he calls ‘my beloved daughter-in-law’ had cancer. They would have had lots to discuss and share because just weeks earlier, the King had begun his course of treatment and dealt with announcing his diagnosis,” Bond said, with her insight into the emotional meeting being backed up by a source who spoke to The Sun.
“The King left his lunch feeling very emotional. They are very close and he thinks of Catherine as his daughter. 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.”
Although Kate is battling the battle with cancer privately and is not seen in public, she appears to be doing well.
“She says she’s getting stronger every day, so I’m sure she’s doing her best to join in the outdoor life—the picnic, barbecues, and walks on the beach,” Bond shared.
Kate Middleton has found great support in Prince William, who a longtime family friend described to People as a “reliable, strong person,” ensuring that she “doesn’t feel isolated.”
“This is about supporting her and her feeling supported,” the friend added. “It is a joint effort. She doesn’t feel isolated at all. The nuclear family that they have created so well is immense support not only to him but to Catherine, too.”
The insider continued, “It is a particular time in their lives, and I know their priority will be to look after each other. His priority is on his family, and the other questions can wait.”
Right now, Kate is focusing all her energy on spending time with the family she holds closest to her heart.
