A former royal aide, Jason Knauf, has reflected on the difficult time when Prince William learned that both his wife, Kate Middleton, and his father, King Charles, had been diagnosed with cancer just weeks apart.
Knauf, who worked for the Prince and Princess of Wales until 2021, spoke about the emotional toll on William during an interview with 60 Minutes Australia on February 23. He described their conversation about Kate’s diagnosis as “absolutely awful,” saying it was the lowest he had ever seen the Prince of Wales.
Kate, 43, first revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 and later announced in September that she had completed chemotherapy. By January 2025, she shared that she was in remission and focusing on her recovery. King Charles’ diagnosis was made public in February 2024, just one month before Kate’s.
Knauf also mentioned how online conspiracy theories made the situation even harder, as the royal couple delayed announcing Kate’s illness until they had spoken to their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
In his interview, Knauf reflected on William and Kate’s efforts to prepare their children for public life. He noted that William, having faced media scrutiny as a child, was particularly aware of the challenges they would face growing up in the digital age.
Kate has since spoken openly about the impact of cancer on families. During a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital in London, she discussed the emotional shock of a diagnosis, emphasizing that it affects not just the patient but their entire family.
In a September video message, she called the journey “incredibly tough” for their family and spoke about navigating the uncertainty and fear that comes with a cancer battle.
