Catherine’s Triumphant Return, Though She's Still Not 'Cancer Free' or in 'Remission'
The popularity of Norway's royals continues to plummet after a series of scandals in August continues to rock the monarchy.
Catherine, The Princess of Wales, has announced her triumphant return to royal duties, kind of. The Princess, who is still recovering from cancer treatments and is reportedly not ‘cancer free’ nor in ‘remission’, shared her intention to undertake some public facing royal engagements this fall, “when I can”.
To share the news with the world, the Waleses released a very intimate video, which featured a voiceover from Catherine sharing some of her journey as the Waleses family enjoys their final days of summer in Norfolk. The couple were notably more vulnerable than they’ve ever been publicly, often cuddling with each other, allowing the public a previously unseen look into their world. The children were fun and lively, climbing, playing games and interacting with their parents. There was even a brief clip that included Catherine’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, showing how critical family is in the midst of a cancer battle.
In a voiceover, Catherine said in part, “The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
“William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.
“To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey—I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”
Powerful words, and ones that will resonate with so many going through cancer treatments. It’s not difficult to imagine that a cancer charity will soon join Catherine’s portfolio in the future.
Her very personal journey with cancer is also a great positive for the royal family, as she remains one of its most popular members. It’s a reality King Charles is keenly aware of, and though some would like to sow dissension within the royal family, it’s impossible to imagine that the video was shared without the full permission of the King given that September 9 was meant to commemorate his ascension to the throne.
This is family that works together and supports each other. Royal reporter Rebecca English even added, that the King and Queen greeted the “‘wonderful news’ and will continue to offer all love, thoughts and support to The Princess on her continued path to full recovery.”
However, it also has been clear that Catherine isn’t entirely out of the woods yet. Richard Palmer shared on X/Twitter, “A mixed message and some confusing headlines tonight. On the one hand, Kate says: ‘Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus.’ Yet at the same time, we’ve been told it is incorrect to describe her as ‘cancer free’ or in remission.”
So though the news is good and it looks like Catherine is getting stronger by the day, this will be a process.
Norway’s Monarchy Crisis
There is perhaps no monarchy in a greater crisis right now than Norway. Support for the monarchy is down, though King Harald remains popular, and two scandals have wreaked havoc on the institution’s public reputation.
A recent poll has revealed that only 62% of Norwegians support the monarchy, which is down from 81% in 2017 and down an additional eleven points from a poll earlier this year in May. This is the lowest in the history of NRK publishing of polls and reveals a monarchy in crisis, and two serious events in August is further diminishing the monarchy’s support.
The first was the arrest of the Crown Princess’ son, Marius Borg Høiby, on August 4th for bodily harm of a young woman and property damage to her apartment after an alcohol and cocaine induced fight. The fallout over the situation and escalating charges and additional reports of domestic violence by former girlfriends has damaged the reputation of the future king.
Most Norweigans met Marius as a young child when his mother married the country’s future king Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. The marriage was considered a controversial choice at the time, especially given Mette-Marit’s alleged experimentation with drugs and the party scene. Marius’ biological father also has a drug conviction on his record.
After the arrest, questions were being raised about how long the royal family has known about Marius’ issues, which he claims are the result of mental health and addiction. There are also concerns that they may have been covering up previous incidents of violence against women. Mette-Marit also made the ill-advised decision to reach out to the victim, which didn’t help in the realm of public opinion. Crown Prince Haakon is in a tricky situation as though he is not Marius’ biological father, the young man was raised within his household and people are starting to wonder a bit about what the future of the monarchy might hold.
If Marius is having issues, are Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s children Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Sverre Magnus going to have issues as well?
The timing of the entire scandal could not be worse, as on August 31, the king’s daughter Princess Märtha Louise was scheduled to marry self-proclaimed Shaman Durek Verrett. In order to monetize off their relationship, the couple had already ruffled feathers by selling the exclusive right to wedding pictures to Hello! Magazine and filming rights to Netflix. The couple is known for their eccentric and controversial views on spirituality and Princess Märtha Louise was essentially forced to relinquish her royal duties over the various scandals she was involved in 2022.
Needless to say, the wedding was a tacky and crass affair, with the couple parading around Geirangersalen after the ceremony to make sure the other media, and even some locals who went out to greet the couple, were able to get pictures. Post-ceremony, 7 in 10 Norwegians want the King to strip Märtha Louise of her title. The royal family’s website was even updated to designate the “other royals” of which the spiritually inclined princess is part.
Scandals may be something that can blow over, but it can also come to undermine the institution so badly that a change must be made. This happened in Spain and Belgium, where the kings were so mired in scandal that both were essentially forced to abdicate for the future of the throne. Their sons came in and were able to usher in a new era while moving the crown beyond the controversies of the former kings.
Norway doesn’t have that option.
As it turns out, Norway’s next generation is the problem. Märtha Louise, the king’s first born child, is considered a wacky and controversial figure who is trying to monetize her title and married a man who is both HIV+ and at one point was engaged to another man. The Crown Prince has a stepson with a variety of issues whose violent outbursts and assault has been splashed across the headlines, raising serious concerns about how he’s raised his own children.
All things considered, the speed at which the Norwegian monarchy’s foundation was undermined shows that the people may love their monarchy, but that support can turn on a dime if the royal family is not careful.
More Royal News…
The United Kingdom and the world remembers the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8, 2022.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain attended the funeral of Juan Gómez-Acebo. He was the first cousin of the King from his father’s side, and passed away due to cancer. Also in attendance, was former King Juan Carlos and his wife Queen Sofia, who remain popular in Spain.
The Swedish royals attended the Opening of Parliament
King Charles and Queen Camilla attended the Braemar Gathering Highland Games up in Scotland.
King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark participated in the Danish Armed Forces National Flag Day.
Queen Camilla visited the RAF Leemings base and met with service members and the families.
Prince William has announced a Blue Peter competition for his Earthshot Prize. The heir to the throne is encouraging young people to share their ideas on how they can address five areas of the climate and submit them for a chance to be recognized by the Prince of Wales.
Prince William visited the new exhibition Homelessness: Reframed, as part of his Homewards initiative. It’s an opportunity through art for those who have experienced homelessness to share their stories.
Queen Camilla attended a session with the English National Ballet as she become their patron. At the event, Her Majesty expressed her passion for the ballet and how excited she was to fulfill the role as patron.
Royals Are Just Like Us…
Lady Gabriella Windsor seen out and about shopping.
King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and their middle child Princess Alexia traveled to Argentina to attend the 80th birthday celebrations of Queen Maxima’s mother. Alexia is heading to University College London later this fall.
Zara Phillips Tindall participated in the Defender Burghley Horse Trials near Stamford, Lincolnshire. She was there with her husband and three children.
Peter Phillips and his girlfriend Harriet Sperling were seen at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials and at the launch of Tom Parker Bowles book, “Cooking & The Crown.” The book is scheduled for release in the U.S. on October 22, 2024.
Queen Camilla also attended the book launch of her son, Tom Parker Bowles.
Upcoming…
Prince William will visit Aberdeen as part of his Homewards initiative, which aims to combat homelessness in the U.K., on September 19th.
Crown Prince Christian of Denmark will be traveling to Africa as part of a gap year to take on environmental issues. In a statement, his mother told the press, “We're really happy on behalf of Christian & everything he will learn on his trip. At the same time we are going to miss him incredibly much. But tonight it is all about celebrating research and two very skilled Danish scientists & researchers.
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit will visit four municipalities in Trøndelag from 10-12 September. Those consist of Selbu and Malvik on September 10th, Midtre Gauldal on the 11th and Trondheim on the 12th. It is expected that the couple will answer some questions about Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son Marius. It will be the first time Mette-Marit will have to answer questions from the press.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have announced a visit to Australia and Samoa from October 18-26. They will be there, in part, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.
Birthdays…
Prince Hisahito of Japan turned 18 on September 6th. Unless changes are made to the Japanese constitution, the future of the Imperial Family rests entirely on his shoulders as he is the only male of his generation. In Japan, only men can inherit the throne and women lose their titles and places within the Imperial Household when they marry.
In Case You Missed the Crown Report…
