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Kate Middleton’s cancer battle highlights chasm of health privilege

Credit: Chris Jackson
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Brighton, UK
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Princess Kate’s return to public life has been met with gracious applause. But hers is a tremendous privilege. 

When the Princess of Wales emerged from her carriage at Trooping the Colour on Saturday, the rain-sodden crowds cheered in support.

After revealing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year, news which explained a retreat from public duties, Kate’s appearance at Buckingham Palace held more weight than usual. For onlookers, and the country at large, it was a show of strength from a royal family who has faced multiple recent setbacks.

Among Kate’s supporters was journalist Allison Pearson, who penned an Independent article showering the Princess of Wales with praise.

Taking inspiration from Kate’s Audrey Hepburn-esque dress, Pearson had two words for the UK’s ‘Fair Lady’: ‘Thank you. Thank you Princess of Wales for being an absolute trooper’.

But the piece has caused significant outrage for Pearson’s choice of words.

Describing other, non-royal cancer sufferers as ‘lesser mortals’ who would have ‘stayed at home in their jim-jams’ if faced with the same responsibilities as Kate, the piece justifiably angered many.

In a tweet posted this weekend, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu described Pearson’s article as an ‘offensive diatribe’, criticising those who approved its publication.

‘I would take thousands of Brits who don’t have the luxury not to show up to work but do in spite of their cancer and those who stay home because of it over and above Catherine, Princess of Wales anytime any day’ Mos-Shogbamimu wrote.

‘Thousands of British cancer patients suffer long NHS waiting lists, health discrimination, die without treatment, have zero financial/moral/social support – but Kate Middleton shows up one day epitomising every advantage systemically denied to others with cancer and is the ‘tonic Britain needed?’’.

Mos-Shogbamimu isn’t alone in his opinion. Netizens have come out in support of the doctor after his comments went viral on X.

Ifeanyi Onuoha was quick to discredit Pearson beneath Mos-Shogbamimu’s original post, writing ‘Allison Pearson is an example of privilege and mediocrity, cluelessly ignoring the harsh realities faced by countless cancer patients.’

Clive Peedell, a NHS cancer specialist, also called out Pearson’s article describing it as ‘absolutely appalling’ journalism. ‘It’s hard to know where to begin, when the lack of understanding of how cancer might affect people is this poor’ he wrote.

As a member of the British royal family, Kate has access to the best medical care, a robust support network, and the financial means to alleviate the many burdens that typical cancer patients endure. That includes a team of professionals who are paid to make her look glowing and composed.

For others, the battle against cancer is often a journey filled with financial hardship and bureaucratic obstacles.

Whether royal or not, cancer is an insidious disease, one which ruins lives and causes immeasurable suffering and people rightly celebrated Kate’s public display of defiance. Pearson’s comments, however, highlight the disparity between the world’s most privileged and most vulnerable, particularly when it comes to life changing illness.

To suggest that those unable to do as Kate did – i.e. return to work – are ‘lesser mortals’ is not only insensitive, it’s dismissive of the incredible resilience shown by countless people fighting cancer under far more challenging circumstances.

It’s also factually incorrect. Because Kate did stay at home, for months on end. To the point that the British media began speculating on her whereabouts and forced her to reveal a cancer diagnosis publicly.

Pearson’s article highlights the importance of empathy and awareness in discussions about illness and resilience. It’s essential to recognise the diverse experiences of cancer patients and understand that privilege plays a significant role in one’s ability to navigate the disease.

Celebrating Kate Middleton’s public appearance need not come at the expense of acknowledging the monumental efforts of ordinary people facing similar challenges.

Criticism of Pearson also underscores a crucial point: resilience and courage in the face of cancer should not be measured by one’s ability to maintain public duties or appearances, but by the everyday struggles and victories of those living with the burden.

From parents who continue to care for their children while undergoing chemotherapy to individuals who fight to keep their jobs and homes amid mounting medical bills, the true heroes are those who persevere in the face of overwhelming odds.

Contributing Writer Brighton, UK

I’m Flo, (She/Her) a remote writer at Thred. I recently completed a Masters in Visual Anthropology, and seek to interrogate the ways digital spaces can amplify marginalised voices in the arts and cultural sectors. Follow me on LinkedIn or ping me some feedback via email.

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