It was a shock not just to her, William and their children – but also to her wider family, the Royal Family, and the world.
For a 42-year-old mother to have to explain to George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, only five, and to ‘reassure them that I am going to be OK’ was heartbreaking.
It was also a shock to Harry and Meghan, who released a statement saying: ‘We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.’
Of course, their words were picked over by some, who noted that the Sussexes couldn’t even bring themselves to mention William, nor get Kate’s name right (she prefers to be called Catherine).
But it was a welcome olive branch in what has been a complete cold war between the two couples.
Indeed, Meghan was viewed by some as tearing down her sister-in-law in some not-so-subtle briefing after Kate’s anguished apology following her Photoshopped Mother’s Day photo.
After the furore broke out, the duchess’ team let it be known that secretly editing a family photo ‘isn’t a mistake Meghan would ever make... she has a keen eye and freakish attention to detail’.
That, at least, was what ‘sources close to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’ apparently told a US newspaper (and a reporter to whom their spokesperson has continually briefed).
Reputational damage
This story is from the April 08, 2024 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 08, 2024 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Terminal cancer, BUT HAPPIER THAN EVER
Despite her diagnosis, Jacqui Drake is determined to live the best life she can while also helping others
Simple LOAF CAKES
Three fuss-free sweet treats all made in a 900g tin
SCENIC sailing
Ariver cruise along the Danube Delta is a wonderful way to relax and watch the world float by
THE TRUTH about dating as a single mum
Rosie Green was shocked by what many men were thinking
Younger eyes in 10 MINUTES
Worried your vision is ageing you? These lifestyle tweaks can help
Lawsuits, splits and FAMILY BATTLES!
It's been an eventful time for the royals since the King was crowned last May. We take a look at his first year at the helm of The Firm
When will KNIFE CRIME STOP?
With the world horrified after the recent stabbings in Sydney, we ask...
Ozempic: SHARON vs KELLY
As Sharon Osbourne warns others against using the controversial drug for weight loss, her daughter Kelly Osbourne is all for it
Eric makes me AKID AGAIN
Simon Cowell on why this year’s Britain’s Got Talent is different, training up his son Eric to become a judge and reuniting with Cheryl
Look at me NOW!
Sue Sykes found that losing over 9st had several surprising benefits