Kate Middleton confided in a small group of people before going public with her cancer diagnosis last week, but left other close friends in the dark as she was wary of the information being leaked.

That’s the word today from a friend of the Princess of Wales – as reported by PEOPLE Magazine – who admitted to having been shocked by the news.

On Friday, March 22 Kate appeared in a video to confirm that her recent, highly-publicized absence was because she is fighting cancer. The mom-of-three underwent abdominal surgery back in January; it was tests post-op that revealed the cancer.

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Needless to say, the announcement sent shockwaves around the world, not least because King Charles is currently fighting the same disease.

Kate’s brave video message came after weeks of intense speculation, with the media and general public asking all sorts of questions as to the Princess’s wellbeing and whereabouts.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” Kate said.

“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.”

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The Princess, of course, has the love and support of her nation, as well as her family and friends to lean on in her darkest hours. Sadly, however, it’s been claimed that she wasn’t able to tell all of her nearest and dearest about her diagnosis for fear of the news finding its way to the media.

As per PEOPLE Magazine, certain close friends and confidants were not told about Kate’s cancer, with one pal describing it as a “shock”.

“It was a heck of a shock,” the friend said.

A former palace aide, meanwhile, added: “The circle of knowledge was very tight. “

PONTYCLUN, WALES – FEBRUARY 28: Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales tour Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre during their visit to Wales on February 28, 2023 in Pontyclun, United Kingdom. The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting communities and mental health initiatives in South Wales ahead of St David’s Day, which takes place on March 1. (Photo by Ian Vogler – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Earlier this week it was reported that even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had been kept off the list of in-the-know individuals prior to Kate’s video last Friday, though other sources claim they were entrusted with the info but given a “dire warning” not to break said trust.

One can only imagine how difficult it must have been for Kate to receive her diagnosis and then have to jump through hoops regarding how she could tell her family and friends. Not to mention the considerable, looming weight of the inevitable moment when she had to break the news to the public.

According to reports, Kate and her family will spend the next weeks together while the children are on an Easter break from school. While Prince William will resume his royal duties as normal afterwards, it’s thought that Kate’s return to royal engagements – initially claimed by Kensington Palace to be scheduled for after Easter – will be handled on a more touch-and-go basis.

“The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team,” a palace spokesperson said on Friday. “She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.”

We’re sending love and prayers to Kate Middleton at this difficult time. Leave a comment if you’d like to do the same.