After expressing gratitude to the public for “all the wonderful messages of support” during her recuperation from a major abdominal surgery, the Princess of Wales disclosed that she is receiving cancer treatment.
In an emotional video posted to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official Instagram account, Princess Catherine called the news a “huge shock.” Since it was posted on Friday, the video has been viewed by over 93 million people.
One eight-year-old fan of the royal family, Mila Sneddon, is wishing Princess Catherine well despite her cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales first met Mila in 2021 when she was five years old, after the royal’s own cancer story touched hers.
Mila reportedly pleaded with the princess, according to The Sunday Mail: “You will be brave because I was and you will fight it like I did.”
When Mila first came to the Princess of Wales’ attention, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and underwent intense chemotherapy treatment. Fortunately, Mila is currently in remission.
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When a picture of the six-year-old was featured in the royal family’s 2020 Hold Still project, the little girl won Catherine over.
During the initial lockdown, Mila, who was receiving chemotherapy for her leukemia, was seen kissing her kitchen window at home after being split up from her father.
At Mila’s request, Princess Catherine agreed to wear pink the first time she saw the young child in person, beginning what has grown to be one of the most poignant and unforgettable royal engagements.
When the royal invited Mila and her mother to Holyrood House, she opted to wear her bubblegum pink Me+Em dress. The news that Catherine was starting a course of “preventative chemotherapy” on Friday coincided with Mila’s second anniversary of being in remission, according to her 40-year-old mother Lynda.
“Catherine showed Mila such compassion, care, and support both during and post treatment,” Lynda said in an interview with the Sunday Mail. She is now dealing with her own health issues, which has been extremely upsetting to witness.”
She then said, “Cancer is like a community and a club that no one wants to be in. Mila will be making and sending Catherine a handwritten card.”
“The Sneddons are fully behind her and we wish her the best, but we are very sad to hear that she has joined the club.
