The world salutes the Princess’s bravery

The outpouring of sympathy towards the Princess of Wales since she announced that she is receiving treatment for cancer is a testament to the extraordinary affection with which she is held, both in the UK and across the world. Her video message displayed her admirable courage and composure in the face of difficult news. The contrast between Her Royal Highness’s quiet dignity and the disgusting conspiracy theorists on social media could not have been greater.

Now she must be given the space and privacy she requires to make a full recovery, surrounded by her young family. It was characteristic of the Princess to stress how important it was for her and Prince William to take time to communicate the news to their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in a way that was appropriate to them. One of the reasons she is held in such high regard is how deftly she has managed to combine her royal duties with the task of bringing up a happy and well-adjusted family under the full glare of public scrutiny.

But her video also contained a message of hope, reminiscent of Queen Elizabeth II’s address to the nation during lockdown. While the late Queen lifted the country’s spirits at a dark moment in our history by reminding the public that “we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again”, the Princess of Wales spoke directly to others “facing this disease, in whatever form”. “Please do not lose faith or hope,” she said. “You are not alone.”

In just a few words, Her Royal Highness once again showed why the United Kingdom is so blessed to have a monarchy. Many appreciate the ancient and splendid ceremony, the unbroken connection with the distant past, and the political stability that it provides. But at the heart of it all is also a family.

It therefore reflects the life experiences of the rest of us in a way that no republican system, with its transient political leadership, ever could. It can uplift, reassure, and demonstrate that, through life’s vicissitudes, we are indeed not alone.

These have been a difficult few months for the Royal family. With His Majesty the King also receiving treatment for cancer, the responsibility for carrying out public engagements has fallen increasingly on Prince William, the Queen, and a small group of other senior Royals.

But even in adversity, the monarchy has a way of bringing the nation together. For now the country is united in sympathy and affection towards the Princess of Wales and her family. We all wish her a speedy recovery.