It is thanks to her and her ever-protective husband that they and their team have forged a new path that works for their family.
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate,” they said.
“She hopes the public understands her desire to maintain as much normalcy for her children as possible; She wants her personal medical information to remain private.
Presumably, they realized that two weeks in the hospital and a long absence from public life would inevitably find their way into the public's ears, and they chose to share the information on their own terms.
This has been their policy throughout their married life, from the birth of their children to the authorized photographs of them growing up, finding their own line between tradition and modernity. No cat-and-mouse games with the press, no disdain for the public who admire it.
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That modernity shines through William's decisions as well. He will not till the land, but will stay at his wife's bedside while she needs him and be at home to fill the gaps that her convalescence will leave.
For the next in line to the throne in an institution that prides itself on duty above all others, this is no small matter: a different kind of duty, with an emphasis on the continued function and happiness of the family as well as its commitment to public life. .
The King has also chosen to sacrifice a little of his privacy for the greater good. Who could imagine a king sharing news of such an intimate diagnosis before now?
Above all, it is a relevant reminder that they are human.
The engagement has been postponed
Both the Princess and the King will need to postpone their public engagements.
They would certainly never share the level of discomfort they were experiencing behind their smiles.
Catherine has recently faced criticism for her lack of foreign tours, her engagements being held close to her home in Windsor, and her seemingly scattered schedule. This should give these critics pause for thought.
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One day, like Charles, she may choose to share more details about her diagnosis to promote public awareness. If not, that is her choice alone.
If previous generations of the royal family were celebrated for their militancy and “keep calm and move on” mentality, the new era heralds a new spirit of cooperative openness.
By politely inviting the audience to give them privacy while sharing enough to answer their questions, they set the tone of dignity, honesty, trust, and respect.
Kensington Palace said on Wednesday: “The Princess of Wales would like to apologize to everyone concerned for the fact that she has had to postpone her upcoming engagements.”
The nation will respond in kind: no need to apologize.
The Telegraph, London
