'Huge problem': Palace's dilemma over telling Meghan and Harry about Kate's diagnosis

A royal expert has claimed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were unaware of the Princess of Wales's cancer diagnosis, as the task of telling them proved to be difficult for the palace.

The couple were reportedly informed just before Kate shared the news of her diagnosis in a personal video released last week. The royal received an outpouring of support upon her announcement, including some words of encouragement from the Sussexes.?

READ MORE: How Charles inspired Kate to reveal cancer diagnosis

"We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace," a spokesperson for the Sussexes said.

Royals author and expert Tom Quinn confirmed to the?Mirror?that the news of the Princess's cancer was "strategically" delivered.?

"Harry and Meghan were told about Kate's cancer diagnosis, but only a very short time before the television announcement," Quinn explained.?

READ MORE: Princess Anne's son praises 'remarkable' Kate

"Telling them was a huge problem for the palace, because if they'd left Meghan and Harry in the dark until Kate's TV broadcast there was a real risk the couple would have complained that once again the royal family was treating them badly."

He added: "Telling them shortly before the TV broadcast meant they couldn't complain about being ignored while at the same time, the palace would know there was less of a risk the couple might spill the beans before Kate's broadcast."

Conversely, a palace insider told the?New York Post?that Prince Harry and the Duchess "had no idea" about Kate's diagnosis, adding that they, "only learned of the news around the same time the rest of the world found out."

The insider continued: "This goes to show the irreparable damage they have caused. The trust has been broken and the royal family is OK distancing themselves from them."

For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.

All the defining photos of the British royal family in 2024

View Gallery

The Princess of Wales's statement shared that it had been an "incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family," adding that the diagnosis came as a "huge shock" to her and Prince William.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.