Amy Dowden reveals Kate Middleton’s nine-word message to her during cancer fight
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has revealed that Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, shared a message with her when the two met during her cancer treatment. Amy, 33, was diagnosed with breast cancer last May and Kate revealed her own cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Appearing on ITV’s Loose Women on Wednesday, April 24, Amy discussed how she is currently coping with cancer, months after doctors told her there was ‘no evidence of disease’. Conversation soon turned to King Charles and the Princess’ cancer battles.
Amy said: “I was lucky enough to meet [Kate] during my chemo treatment, and she gave me so much time. She was so kind. Actually, her words were, ‘Let us know if there's anything we can do.’ Just knowing that she's finding out that she has to have chemo and knowing what you have to go for. Emotionally, my family, whilst I was going for treatment, I don't think my parents slept.” Want less ads? Download WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android
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Amy continued: “I can remember getting the news, and my sister saying: ‘Oh, dad will sleep tonight now.’ I could see in their eyes, the pain in their eyes. I can't tell you how many times my parents would say they would do anything to take it away from me or them to have it instead of me. My mum's had cancer twice and it's just the thought. [Kate] has to go through it in the public eye and she’s got three young children.”
Elsewhere in the interview Amy reiterated that it is her intention to return to Strictly Come Dancing later this year. She sat out on last year’s series – though did return occasionally – as she was receiving treatment.
Speaking of this she said: “I'm working really hard and getting all my body back because obviously, I've got a new upper body now. After breaking my foot and doing all the physio as I possibly can. That would be the dream, to be back with my best friends on the dance floor doing what I love.”
The Princess revealed her cancer diagnosis in a statement earlier this year. At the time she said: "In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. 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.
"This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.
"As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok. "As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.” You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.