Local Royal Family expert discusses Princess Kate’s cancer announcement

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - In a continuation of our coverage of Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis, we spoke with a British native who has found himself in New England.

Alan Greaves, owner of Northampton’s Brits R Us, is one of millions all over the globe thinking about Princess Kate after Friday’s announcement of her cancer diagnosis, and subsequent preventative chemotherapy treatment.

For the first time since December 2023, the princess spoke in an official capacity, bearing devastating news for many, including Greaves, who said he was experiencing, “Obviously a little bit of shock, like everyone else. We weren’t expecting that. It’s been rumored for a little while that there was something going on, but you don’t expect something as unpleasant as a cancer diagnosis.”

While the mother-of-three may be her most important title, it’s not a secret she and Prince William are next in line for the throne in the United Kingdom, which has led to many questions about her recent absence.

Greaves explained, “I think as a future queen of Britain, her health means a lot. William is obviously the future king and she’s the future queen, so you know, they’re very popular in the U.K., as they are all over the world. They’re much loved by everybody.”

That adoration is what led to speculation on her condition and the couple’s relationship by many over the past few weeks.

Photoshop fails of the princess with her children, and rumored sightings with Prince William, with no comment from the Royal Family only added fuel to the fire.

“They were trying to keep things private and not put the media into a frenzy like they always do, but I think the royal family always handles thing very gracefully. I watched Kate’s speech, for lack of a better word, this morning explaining her diagnosis and the treatment,” Greaves added.

According to the video the princess shared with the public, she will remain behind the scenes to complete her treatment.

“I hope she gets the treatment, and she gets the all-clear very soon. The worst part is when she was explaining it… explaining it… she left announcing it to the end of the school holidays. She’s told her kids that she’s doing well and that’s she’s going to be okay, and let’s hope that that is the case.”

The princess did not disclose the type or stage of her cancer diagnosis.