Former British royal spokesman Paddy Harverson has urged the public to allow the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, the necessary time and space to recuperate following Catherine's recent cancer diagnosis.
Harverson, who had worked for the couple, defended how Kensington Palace handled the news, reports BBC.
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"This is not just an institution, it's a family... you also have to remember they're human beings," he said while speaking on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.
Catherine, 42, disclosed her cancer diagnosis on Friday, revealing that treatment had commenced subsequent to abdominal surgery. While specifics about her condition remain undisclosed, Kensington Palace has expressed confidence in her full recovery.
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The revelation followed a period of intense speculation surrounding Catherine's health, compounded by her absence from official events since Christmas. Speculation peaked following a photograph released on Mother's Day, which triggered social media frenzy due to perceived inconsistencies.
Addressing concerns about the timing of the announcement, Victoria Newton, editor of The Sun, explained that Catherine had strategically chosen to disclose her diagnosis on the last day of her children's school term to shield them from unwanted attention, it said.
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Harverson defended the royal family's handling of the situation, denouncing the incessant speculation propagated by social media platforms. He emphasized the need for understanding and support during this challenging time, dismissing notions of the family's fragility in light of recent health issues.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of support from well-wishers, with a Kensington Palace spokesman expressing gratitude for the understanding of the couple's request for privacy. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly reached out to offer their support to William and Catherine, the report also said.
As the royal family navigates Catherine's diagnosis, Buckingham Palace remains hopeful that King Charles will join them for Easter Sunday service, underscoring the monarch's pride in his daughter-in-law and the family's close-knit bond during this trying period.