The British public can expect a lengthy wait before they see Princess Kate return to duties, according to a royal expert.
Phil Dampier joined Ben Leo on GB News to discuss how the revelation of her cancer diagnosis is likely to impact her return.
After her abdominal surgery in January, Kensington Palace announced she would make a comeback after Easter.
But Dampier believes we could be waiting even longer, admitting on GB News that the news ‘came out of the blue’ for him.
Phil Dampier says Kate's diagnosis is 'devastating' news
KENSINGTON PALACE / GB NEWS
“It’s devastating news”, he said.
“We thought she was on the mend. We thought we were possibly going to see her at Easter.
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“We might not see her for several months. So it is very, very worrying. But there’s been this extraordinary outpouring of support and love all over the world.
“Let’s hope this shuts up the conspiracy theorists. I’m not sure that it will, but I think certainly the mainstream media will try and give her the time and space that she needs to heal.
“This is a bit of a crisis now for the Royal Family because we’ve got her and the King out of action.
“It is a very, very tough time for them.”
Kate Middleton at WimbledonPA
Phil Dampier joined Ben Leo on GB News
GB NEWS
Speaking in the video message recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, the princess said: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.
“The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
“This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this has taken time.”
It is understood the video was released on the day William and Kate’s three children began their Easter school holidays, to take advantage of the break to shield them from coverage of their mother’s health.
Kate, who is casually dressed in the video and sitting on a bench, added: “It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.
“As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”