Prince William issues update on Kate Middleton's cancer battle with 14 words

Prince William has issued a 14-word update on Kate Middleton during a surprise school visit. Prince William visited St Michael's Church of England High School in Rowley Regis, Sandwell, to meet pupil Freddie Hadley, 12, on Thursday (April 25).

The Prince of Wales told a staff member at the school that Kate would have been keen to attend the event before her cancer battle. Wills, who is an Aston Villa FC fan, said: "I am sorry Catherine can't be here as well. She would have loved to."

Before that, he praised Freddie for his letter, telling a member of staff: "Lots of people write letters but Freddie's was a really well-written letter. I promised I would come." On World Mental Health Day last October, Freddie told the Prince about the work he and his friends had been doing at the school.

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And to his surprise, the Prince of Wales replied, saying: "Good afternoon Freddie, I'm so sorry Catherine and I can't be with you and the rest of the students at St Michael's today. Tackling mental health challenges and stigmas head-on is so important, please keep up this important work."

Today, The Prince told Freddie: "So this is the young lad who started it all off. Very nice to see you, thank you for your letter." To which he replied: "You're very welcome." On Twitter/X, a Royal fan wrote: "Well done Wills."

Another typed: "Fair play to William for not forgetting Freddie and his letter." And a third said: "So thoughtful and considerate of William Prince of Wales to set up this surprise visit to Freddie Hadley at his school, in response and in appreciation of his letter to Prince William. I'm sure, as he said, Catherine Princess of Wales would have accompanied him if she could. I pray The Princess of Wales has a full and long term recovery from that dreaded disease."