According to the Sun, Kate wanted to speak with the King about his own cancer diagnosis and how he was coping with it. He travelled from London for a private lunch with his “beloved daughter-in-law” on Thursday.
They reportedly spoke about the video announcement, in which the Princess of Wales admitted the diagnosis had been a “huge shock”, but she was “going to be okay”.
A source said the meeting between them was “highly unusual”.
“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.
She was first admitted to hospital for surgery on January 16, then spent 13 nights there. It’s now been confirmed tests following her operation found she had cancer.
The princess has explained she took time to heal from surgery before starting preventative chemotherapy at the end of February, when her disappearance from the public eye sparked countless conspiracies about her health and whereabouts.
Kate’s video message was shared on Friday night, with the princess telling the world she was “getting stronger every day”. She’s been recuperating at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor with her family.
It’s been confirmed the Waleses will not appear at the Easter Sunday Service at St George’s Chapel this weekend, though the King and Queen are expected to attend.
The couple have asked the public for privacy as they navigate Kate’s recovery and spend time with their children during the school holidays. Kate’s statement came at the end of the school term, with her children due to return to school on April 17.
Following the Princess of Wales’ news, a statement from Buckingham Palace said, “His Majesty is so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.”
“Following their time in hospital together, His Majesty has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.
“Both Their Majesties will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time.”