In a poignant moment that has touched hearts worldwide, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has reached out to her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, with a heartfelt message following the news of Kate’s second round of chemotherapy. The message, a concise yet deeply moving ten words, reportedly left Kate in tears, underscoring the emotional weight of their complex relationship and the shared humanity that transcends their past differences. This gesture, announced quietly through Kensington Palace on August 20, 2025, marks a significant step in the ongoing narrative of the royal family, offering a glimpse of reconciliation and empathy amid personal and public challenges.
The message, delivered privately via a handwritten note, reads: “Stay strong, Kate. You’re not alone. We’re thinking of you.” These simple words, laden with sincerity, arrived at a time when Kate, 43, is navigating the grueling reality of cancer treatment once again. The Princess of Wales, who announced in September 2024 that she had completed her first course of chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis earlier that year, faced a setback in mid-2025 when routine scans suggested the need for a second, precautionary round of treatment. The news, though not publicly detailed, has been a source of quiet concern for the royal family, with Kate stepping back from several planned engagements to focus on her health.
Kate’s cancer journey began in January 2024, when she underwent major abdominal surgery at The London Clinic. Initially believed to be non-cancerous, the procedure led to the discovery of cancer cells, prompting a course of preventative chemotherapy that lasted until September 2024. Her public announcement in March 2024, delivered via a heartfelt video filmed at Windsor Castle, captivated the world as she spoke of the “huge shock” of the diagnosis and her focus on explaining it to her children—Prince George, 12; Princess Charlotte, 10; and Prince Louis, 7—in an age-appropriate way. The completion of her first treatment was celebrated with a family-oriented video, showing Kate playing with her children in the Norfolk countryside, her smile radiating hope.
The announcement of a second chemotherapy course, however, brought a renewed wave of challenges. Described as shorter but more targeted, this treatment aims to eliminate any residual risks, with Kate receiving care at The Royal Marsden hospital. Throughout this period, she has leaned heavily on Prince William, her parents Carole and Michael Middleton, and her siblings Pippa and James, who have provided unwavering support. Public appearances, such as her visit to Colchester Hospital in July 2025, have showcased her resilience, with Kate engaging warmly with cancer patients and sharing her own experiences of the “complex, scary, and unpredictable” nature of the disease.
Meghan’s message arrives against the backdrop of a strained relationship between the Sussexes and the Waleses, a rift that has been well-documented since Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020. The tensions, detailed in Harry’s memoir Spare and the couple’s Netflix docuseries, have included personal grievances, from disagreements over bridesmaids’ dresses to broader issues of trust within the family. Notably, Harry’s claim in Spare that William physically attacked him during a dispute underscored the depth of their estrangement, while Meghan’s revelation that Kate once made her cry before her 2018 wedding added to the narrative of discord. Public interactions between the two couples have been rare, with their last joint appearance occurring in September 2022, during a walkabout in Windsor following Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Despite this history, Meghan’s gesture reflects a desire to bridge the gap, particularly in light of Kate’s health challenges. The Duchess, now 44, has been focusing on her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, and charitable endeavors in California, where she and Harry reside with their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4. The news of Kate’s second chemotherapy, which reached the Sussexes through mutual contacts rather than direct communication, prompted Meghan to act swiftly. Sources close to the couple describe her as “deeply moved” by Kate’s ongoing battle, with her own experiences as a mother and public figure fostering a sense of empathy. “Meghan knows what it’s like to face scrutiny and personal trials,” an insider shared. “She felt compelled to reach out, not as a royal, but as a woman and a mother.”
The impact of Meghan’s message on Kate was profound. According to palace aides, Kate received the note at Adelaide Cottage, where she has been resting between treatments. Reading the words, she was reportedly overcome with emotion, moved not only by the sentiment but also by the unexpected outreach from a family member she has had little contact with in recent years. “It was a moment of connection that meant more than Meghan could have known,” a source close to Kate revealed. “Kate has been feeling vulnerable, and those words reminded her that support can come from unexpected places.” The tears, described as a mix of gratitude and relief, reflect the emotional toll of her journey and the power of a simple act of kindness.
The gesture has sparked hope among royal watchers for a potential thawing in the Wales-Sussex relationship. While William and Harry remain distant—having not spoken directly since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022—Kate’s response to Meghan’s message suggests a willingness to mend ties, at least on a personal level. Kate, known for her diplomacy and desire for family unity, has reportedly long felt anguish over the brothers’ fractured bond. Her own health struggles have only deepened her perspective, with insiders noting that she has vowed to foster “peace and forgiveness” within the family before it’s too late. Whether this moment will lead to broader reconciliation remains uncertain, but it has undoubtedly opened a door.
Public reaction to the news has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media platforms buzzing with support for both women. Hashtags like #KateStrong and #RoyalUnity have trended, with fans praising Meghan’s compassion and Kate’s resilience. However, the moment has not been without scrutiny. Some commentators have questioned whether Meghan’s gesture was a calculated move to improve her public image, given the criticism she and Harry have faced for their past comments about the royal family. Others dismiss this, arguing that the private nature of the note and its emotional impact on Kate speak to its authenticity.
For Kate, the focus remains on her recovery and family. She has been open about the challenges of post-treatment life, describing it as a “roller coaster” that requires finding a “new normal.” Her interactions with other cancer patients, such as her emotional meeting with a teenage photographer at Windsor Castle in October 2024, have reinforced her commitment to raising awareness. She has taken on new patronages, including a role with The Royal Marsden, and plans to resume more public duties, such as attending Remembrance Sunday in November 2025, health permitting.
Meghan and Harry, meanwhile, continue their work in the United States, with upcoming projects including a Netflix series and events tied to the Invictus Games. The couple has expressed a desire to maintain privacy for their children while supporting causes like mental health and gender equity. Meghan’s message to Kate, though brief, aligns with this ethos, reflecting a personal outreach rather than a public statement. “It wasn’t about the headlines,” a source close to the Sussexes said. “It was about doing the right thing.”
As Kate navigates her treatment, the support from her extended family, including this unexpected gesture from Meghan, offers a beacon of hope. The Princess has spoken of finding strength in the “simple things”—family walks, shared laughter, and moments of connection. Meghan’s ten words, though small in number, carry immense weight, reminding Kate and the world that empathy can bridge even the widest divides. For now, the royal family’s story continues to unfold, with this moment of compassion serving as a powerful reminder of the human heart at its core.
