Nearly a year after Kate Middleton revealed her cancer diagnosis, a former aide to Prince William has opened up about the “awful” phone call he received in the wake of the news.
Jason Knauf, who worked for the Prince and Princess of Wales until 2021, shared his thoughts during an interview on 60 Minutes Australia on Sunday (February 23). He reflected on Kate’s diagnosis and how William handled the difficult period.
According to Knauf, the 42-year-old Prince had to process both his wife’s health battle and his father, King Charles III’s, cancer diagnosis in the span of just a few weeks.
Buckingham Palace had first shared news of the King’s illness in February of the previous year, releasing a statement that read: “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
A month later, after widespread concern over her absence from public life for several months, Kate, 43, shared that she, too, had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment.
“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 said in an emotional statement at the time.
Naturally, many royal watchers worried about how these health struggles were affecting Prince William.
Reflecting on the situation during an interview, Knauf remarked, “If you’re Prince William, you find out that both your wife and your father have cancer…” He admitted, “I mean, I couldn’t believe it.”
Recalling a phone call he had with William after Kate’s diagnosis, the former aide described the moment as “awful, absolutely awful.”
“It’s the lowest I’ve ever seen him,” he added.
Knauf went on to explain, “But the problem was that all this crazy, sort-of conspiracy theory stuff kicked off in the background online—‘Was she really ill?’
However, at that point, the royal family had not yet disclosed Kate’s cancer diagnosis. They were still figuring out how to share the news with their children and the public.
In September, Kate reassured everyone by announcing that she had completed chemotherapy and was gradually easing back into her royal responsibilities.
A couple of months later, during rehearsals for the Earthshot Prize Awards in Cape Town, William spoke about her recovery, calling her *“amazing”* and offering a positive update on her health. “She’s doing really well, thanks,” he said. “Hopefully she’s watching tonight and cheering me on.”
By January, during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, Kate confirmed that her cancer had gone into remission. Expressing gratitude, she shared, “I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year.”
She continued, “My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.”
Kate also praised the medical team, adding, “We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”
While Kate’s recovery is a cause for celebration, the situation remains more uncertain for King Charles. In December, Palace officials provided an update, stating that his treatment was progressing positively, but as a long-term condition, the treatment cycle would extend into the following year.
The statement conveyed a sense of optimism, emphasizing the King’s determination to maintain a full schedule of public engagements, even over the holiday season.
However, the Palace has yet to confirm the specific type of cancer he has been diagnosed with.