Transcending generations and standing, a touching bond between a young girl and Kate Middleton has come full circle after it became known that the Princess of Wales is now dealing with health issues of her own.
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales attends The “Together At Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 08, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Mila Sneddon battled cancer until the disease went into remission and she rang the bell, exactly two years before Kate Middleton’s diagnosis with a variant of the disease went public. The coincidence, however, does not give away that there is much more to their story, which led to a touching reciprocation of kindness.
Mila Sneddon, aged five after meeting Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on May 27, 2021, in Edinburgh, Scotland | Source: Getty Image
When the 8-year-old heard that the Princess of Wales was battling cancer, she sent her a message of support.
Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives at the Shaping Us National Symposium at the Design Museum on November 15, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
“She will be brave because I was and she will fight it like I did,” young Mila reportedly said. The young girl’s mom, Lynda, also had words of kindness to offer the Princess.
Kate Middleton seen during the opening of Evelina London’s new children’s day surgery unit on December 5, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
“She is a mum, a wife, she is young, beautiful, athletic and she is facing this. It shows cancer doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone at any time. We wish her a peaceful and speedy recovery,” she added.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023, in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
Mila was four when she was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2019, Kate Middleton saw a striking photograph of Mila as she looked at her dad, Scott, through a window during a chemotherapy treatment. It was the beginning of a special bond.
The Princess of Wales asked if she could meet young Mila, and the picture was then chosen to feature in Kate’s book, “Hold Still: A Portrait of Our Nation in 2020.” Kind words from Kate followed, “I hope she feels better soon and I wish her a speedy recovery.”
Five year-old cancer patient Mila Sneddon (L), who features in an image from the Hold Still photography project, speaks to Prince William and Princess Kate as special guests of the Royal couple, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland on May 27, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Mila and Kate met twice before she was declared cancer-free in 2022. Once at the annual Westminster Abbey Christmas Concert in 2021, and earlier that year when Mila met with the Princess at the Queen’s official Edinburgh home, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (L) chats to 6-year-old Mila Sneddon, during the Together At Christmas community carol service at Westminster Abbey in London on December 8, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Thoughtfully, Kate wore a dress in Mila’s favorite color, pink, and she even got a butler to bring the youngster cereal when she mentioned being hungry. However, it’s not these details that stuck with Mila, as she said, “It was so good, I’ve never met a real princess in my life before.”
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meets Mila Sneddon, aged five, and her family, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on May 27, 2021, in Edinburgh, Scotland | Source: Getty Images
The next time the pair communicated was right after Mila rang the bell at the Team Jack Cancer Centre in April 2022. Kate sent the young girl a handwritten letter, which Mila and her family were “very grateful to receive.”
“Such a beautiful keepsake for Mila to look back on for many years to come (content of which will not be disclosed) such a lovely gesture thank you Catherine Duchess of Cambridge❤️,” Mila’s mom, Lynda wrote on social media.
The Princess’ actions made a lasting impression on Mila, who wanted to send her a card as soon as she heard about Kate’s newly announced health issues.
“Mila will make contact in her own private way. Kate showed Mila such compassion, care, and support both during and post-treatment, so it’s been very emotional to see she is now facing her own health struggles,” Lynda explained.
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales attends The Royal Variety Performance 2023 at Royal Albert Hall on November 30, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Lynda, and her family, living in Stenhousemuir, Scotland, are “completely behind” the Princess and wish her “the very best” as she navigates this tough journey.
Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend a ceremonial welcome for The President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea at Horse Guards Parade on November 21, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
We have nothing but admiration for her to have been able to come out and publicly tell her story,” Lynda added.
Mila’s mother also gushed about Kate’s demeanor every time they had contact with each other. “We always got that impression from her when we met her, that she is a wife and mother first before any status. When we met her, she was incredibly engaging and down-to-earth. You almost forgot who she was,” Lynda elaborated.
While Mila has reached out with the same kindness the Princess has shown her, social media users have expressed their concern following Kate’s cancer diagnosis announcement.
As previously reported on March 22, through a heartfelt video message, she shared her cancer diagnosis with the world and the onset of her treatment journey. The specific type of cancer remains undisclosed, underscoring the royal family’s request for medical privacy during this challenging time.
Kate’s health concerns initially came to light following an announcement from Kensington Palace in January about her undergoing “planned abdominal surgery” at The London Clinic. Initially thought to be non-cancerous, the surgery’s aftermath revealed a starkly different reality. The Duchess is now undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy, a decision made following the discovery of cancer post-operation.
In the emotional video, Kate expressed gratitude towards the flood of support and well-wishes she has received, acknowledging the immense challenge the past few months have presented not only for her but for her entire family. “The surgery was successful, however, tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” she shared, revealing the sudden shift in her health narrative and the start of her chemotherapy treatment.
Kensington Palace has been measured in its updates, focusing on Kate’s right to privacy while also acknowledging the public’s concern and affection for the Duchess. They’ve stated that Kate is in good spirits, focusing on her recovery with hopes of resuming her royal duties once medically advisable.
Following the announcement, social media platforms have been alight with messages of support, admiration, and well-wishes for Kate. Many commend her bravery for facing her diagnosis so publicly, acknowledging the personal difficulty of discussing such a deeply personal matter.
Comments range from personal stories of battling cancer to heartfelt wishes for her speedy recovery. “Wow she looks so tired “, one of the users reacted. Other people commented: “Wishing you the best as you heal”, “Sending so much love Kate sorry you have been hounded going threw this you didn’t deserve that”. Most people expressed words of support for Princess Catherine: “I am so sorry beautiful princess❤️🩹 but our prayers are with you and your family.”
This overwhelming response not only highlights the Duchess’s revered position in public life but also sheds light on the universal struggle against cancer, a journey that unites individuals across various walks of life in support and understanding. As Kate continues her treatment, the world watches on, hopeful for her recovery and inspired by her openness in the face of adversity.
