For the first time a book claims to reveal the private, “heart‑breaking” moment Prince William felt when his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, disclosed her cancer diagnosis. The memoir, titled William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story and attributed to Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers, says the Prince was left “in a state of disbelief” and likened the shock to “being hit by a bus.” The publisher’s description, however, has not been independently confirmed and rests on unnamed friends and sources.
What is verifiable is that Catherine announced she had cancer in March 2024, a revelation that sent global headlines and prompted an outpouring of public support. The announcement was made in a carefully produced video statement that aired on the BBC’s 6 p.m. News bulletin, with the Princess describing the diagnosis as a “huge shock” on top of “an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family.” Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024.
Prince William’s own reaction was captured in a separate media report that quoted the Prince of Wales saying he felt “like the rug had been pulled” from under him when the news broke. Prince William described his reaction as feeling like a rug was pulled. The statement was made in an interview with a UK news outlet and reflects the emotional weight of learning that both his father and his wife were battling the same disease within weeks of each other.
What the new book says – and what remains unverified
unconfirmed According to Myers, the book reveals that the couple received the diagnosis during a routine follow‑up at the London Clinic, where Catherine had been undergoing a planned abdominal operation. The memoir alleges that the Princess was told the cancer was discovered in “secondary tests” and that doctors recommended immediate preventative chemotherapy. Friends cited in the book supposedly say Catherine, despite being “caught completely in shock,” focused first on her three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis—and on supporting William.
unconfirmed The book also claims a criminal investigation was launched at the hospital after staff allegedly tried to access the Princess’s private medical records, a breach reportedly confirmed by the Information Commissioner’s Office. No independent source has verified this claim, and the details of any investigation have not been publicly disclosed.
unconfirmed A close confidante, quoted in the manuscript, is said to have described William’s inner turmoil as “like being hit by a bus, sudden, brutal, and completely disorienting.” The source allegedly added that William “worships” his wife and that the news left “the ground beneath him vanished.” These vivid characterisations have not been corroborated by any official statements or reputable news outlets.
Family life amid the crisis
What is publicly known is that the royal family has worked to maintain a sense of normalcy for the children. After the diagnosis, the Prince of Wales reportedly took charge of school drop‑offs, even as Catherine’s parents and siblings visited the family home in Windsor. The couple is said to have continued family meals, playdates and occasional weekends away at the Middleton residence in Berkshire, aiming to shield the children from the full impact of the situation.
Friends have also said that Catherine has embraced “natural healing” practices such as “shinrin‑yoku” (forest bathing) to manage stress during treatment. While these personal coping methods have been mentioned in the book, they remain unverified by external reporting.
What comes next
As Catherine continues her treatment, the royal household is expected to provide periodic updates through official channels. The Prince of Wales has not publicly spoken in detail about his personal feelings since the initial announcement, focusing instead on supporting his wife and children. Observers will be watching for any further statements from Kensington Palace regarding her health progress and the family’s public engagements.
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Disclaimer: This article contains health‑related information that is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.
