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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reacted to the news of the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton's cancer announcement on Friday, expressing condolences on behalf of the White House.
"We just heard the terrible news, our thoughts are with the Duchess of Cambridge...during this incredibly difficult time," Jean-Pierre said during a White House briefing. "We are incredibly sad."
Middleton assumed the title of Princess of Wales following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
The Context:
On Friday, Middleton put an end to months of speculation after getting major abdominal surgery in January and forgoing her public duties until at least after Easter.
Middleton said in her video statement: "I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery. 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 explained that when she had her surgery earlier in the year, "at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous."
Middleton said that the surgery was "successful," but "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."
What We Know:
Jean-Pierre told reporters on Friday that the White House's thoughts are with Middleton, "her family members and friends," wishing her a "full recovery."
"And I think it's important that we respect their privacy, especially at this time," she added.
The press secretary anticipated questions about if President Joe Biden has personally reached out to Middleton and her family, to which she preemptively answered: "We don't have anything to share at this time.
Views:
King Charles III is "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.
Charles, who is undergoing his own cancer treatment, has "remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks."
Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump, former President Donald Trump's eldest daughter, slammed the conspiracy theorists who spread rumors about Middleton during her health crisis.
"It's disheartening to see the speculation that has surrounded her, particularly during a time when support and kindness are most needed," she wrote in a Friday post on X, formerly Twitter.
Ivanka said that she was "deeply saddened" by Middleton's diagnosis and sent her thoughts and prayers to the princess and her family.
What's Next?
While Middleton undergoes her cancer treatment, she said in her video message on Friday that she is "getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.
"Having [Prince] William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both."
Charles and his wife Camilla "will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time," the Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.
Update 3/22/24, 3:30 p.m.ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 3/22/24, 4:17 p.m.ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
About the writer
Anna Commander is a Newsweek Editor and writer based in Florida. Her focus is reporting on crime, weather and breaking ... Read more