Prince William Will ‘Be the Anchor for His Children’ amid Kate Middleton’s Cancer Treatment (Exclusive)

Prince William will be an “anchor” for his children amid Kate Middleton’s cancer treatment, Queen Elizabeth’s former press secretary has claimed.

Ailsa Anderson, who previously played the late royal, is speaking exclusively to PEOPLE after Princess Kate announced she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment.

“He’s going to be an anchor for his kids,” Anderson says of William, 41, who is now expected to stagger to work, much as he has since Kate was admitted to hospital for her first operation. Anderson adds that the timing of the public announcement – which was released in a personal video message from the princess herself – reveals that the royal couple’s focus is on their three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.

“They protect their children. First of all, they think of their well-being,” she explains.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales at the Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Kate Middleton’s own words when she announced her cancer diagnosis: read her official statement

In Princess Kate’s announcement, the 42-year-old royal revealed that she had “undergone major abdominal surgery” and that despite the “successful” results of the surgery, “post-operative tests showed that cancer was present.”

Kate explained at the time that her medical team had advised her to “undergo preventative chemotherapy” and that she was “now in the early stages of that treatment”.

The princess also noted that “it took us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that was convenient for them and to reassure them that I would be fine.”

Kate also said: “Having William by my side is also a great source of comfort and security.”

King Charles, who has cancer, ‘so proud’ of ‘beloved daughter-in-law’ Kate Middleton amid her cancer diagnosis

Kate Middleton announces cancer diagnosis March 22, 2024

BBC Studios

Anderson tells PEOPLE that Princess Kate’s announcement Friday will “resonate” with those living with cancer.

“I would challenge anyone who sees it not to be completely moved by her. Three million in the UK are living with cancer and they’re going to love it,” she says.

On the subject of conspiracy theories shared online during the princess’s absence from public duties, Anderson says: “People who have been mean on social media should look at what they’re posting.”

“Nobody knows what goes on in someone’s household. All the messages I’ve received are compassionate. How can you not be compassionate?” she continues, adding of Kate, “She’s not only a senior member of the royal family, but she’s also a mother to young children — she’s so young. I’m sure the whole world will be with her.”

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend a ceremonial welcome for the President and First Lady of the Republic of Korea at Horse Guards Parade on November 21, 2023 in London, England.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Anderson also stresses how important it is for those battling the disease, like the Princess of Wales, to focus on their recovery.

“People who are sick just have to focus on it and not let the noise affect them. I hope she has the inner strength – and I’m sure she does – to do it,” she says.

“She has the support of her husband and she has his family, and her amazing family, through all the trolling and creepiness, so she can really focus on what’s important — and that’s getting her strength back, for her sake and her kids and her husband,” she adds. Anderson.

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On Friday, a Buckingham Palace spokesman told PEOPLE that King Charles, who is himself being treated for cancer, “is so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking out as she did.”

The Princess of Wales’ brother, James Middleton, posted a never-before-seen photo of himself and his sister on Instagram on Friday, captioned: “We’ve climbed many mountains together over the years. As a family, we’ll climb this one with you ⛰️❤️.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry also shared their well wishes for Princess Kate in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Friday. “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family and hope they can do so privately and in peace,” the statement read.

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Source: HIS Education