Kate Middleton and King Charles shared a private lunch shortly before the Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis, People understands.
The Princess of Wales, 42, and her father-in-law the King, 75, had already started cancer treatment when they met for lunch last Thursday – before Kate revealed she had been diagnosed with the disease in a personal video message this week.
Since Charles’ treatment began on February 5 and Kate’s is also ongoing, they share a “common medical experience,” a royal source said.
Princess Kate and King Charles also share common interests, and Charles has “always had a very good relationship with her,” according to author Sally Bedell Smith, who recently published her book, George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Saved the Monarchyin 2023.
“She’s interested in artistic things and appreciates art and culture, so she has a connection with the king about that,” Smith tells PEOPLE.
“Obviously, they have this in common and it can only bring them closer. It is a source of security and comfort for both of them,” adds the author.
Kate Middleton received an emotional message from an eight-year-old girl who met the royal during her own cancer treatment
King Charles, Kate Middleton.
Jane Barlow/WPA Pool/Getty; Visionhaus/Getty
Meanwhile, the king is “doing well” through his ongoing treatment, PEOPLE is told.
The royal source adds that they are planning a summer calendar of events without “committing to anything” and that everything will be “subject to the doctor’s advice at the time”.
It’s been more than a month since Buckingham Palace revealed the king’s diagnosis on February 5. His type of cancer has not been revealed.
The palace announced at the time that King Charles had “begun a schedule of regular treatments, during which time doctors have advised him to postpone his public duties.” The king personally informed his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, about his diagnosis, as well as other members of the royal family.
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King Charles III leaves a national service of thanksgiving and dedication for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in July 2023.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
King Charles informed of Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis as he is also undergoing cancer treatment
PEOPLE also understands that earlier in the year, the Princess of Wales and the King were able to meet at the hospital when they transferred to a London clinic for a few nights in January. At the time, King Charles was undergoing a procedure for an enlarged prostate, while Kate was undergoing “scheduled abdominal surgery”.
On Friday, the Princess of Wales shared her cancer diagnosis when she announced in a video message that after abdominal surgery, which she said was “successful”, later “post-operative tests revealed that the cancer was present.” The princess explained that she is currently undergoing preventive chemotherapy.
Princess Kate added that she and her husband, Prince William, were “doing everything they could to process and resolve this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this took time. It took me time to recover from major surgery to begin my treatment.”
The royal couple have three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. Kate explained in her video message that “it took us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that was appropriate for them and reassure them I’ll be fine.”
“Like I told them; I’m fine and I’m getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit,” she said.
After an outpouring of support for the Princess of Wales and her family, a Kensington Palace spokesman said in a statement on Saturday that “The Prince and Princess have been deeply touched by the kind messages from people here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message.”
“They are extremely touched by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for your understanding of their request for privacy at this time,” the spokesperson continued.
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