A Bollywood star has revealed the sweet response she got from the Princess of Wales after writing to her about her cancer struggle.
Manisha Koirala, 54, who has starred in dozens of Hinid and Tamil films, revealed she sent Kate Middleton a message after it was revealed she was facing cancer in March.
‘I wanted to reach out to HRH The Princess of Wales to send my good wishes, particularly due to my own experiences,’ she told Nepalese media.
‘I am deeply heartened to receive such a warm response from her and wish her the very best of health.’
Manisha, who was born in Biratnagar, Nepal but primarily works in India, was treated for ovarian cancer in 2012 and was given the all clear a year later.
‘I want to use my voice to not only support cancer patients but also to raise awareness about the need for equitable healthcare access and the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
‘Having faced cancer myself, I know how isolating and challenging the journey can be, and I believe it is essential that we all play a part in changing that reality for others,’ she told Nepalese publication Khabar.
Last month, the Princess of Wales revealed she has finished her course of ‘preventative chemotherapy’ following her health crisis earlier this year and plans to undertake a ‘light programme’ of public engagements over the coming months.
However she warns that ‘doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus’ and admitted that the last nine months have been a ‘scary and unpredictable’ time for her family.
The experience, Catherine said, remindeded her and her husband, Prince William, to ‘reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.’
The princess’ personal message to the nation was accompanied by a stunning three-minute long video showing her and William in Norfolk with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, shot last month.
It showed the family playing happily on the beach and in the woods, William and Catherine laying entwined on a blanket, hugging their children – and kissing.
While there is no official statement from Buckingham Palace, The King and Queen are understood to have greeted the announcement as ‘wonderful news’ and will continue to offer all love, thoughts and support to The Princess on her continued path to full recovery.
In her message the princess said: ‘As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
‘The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family.
‘Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown’.
Most recently, the Princess of Wales visited Southport to meet families who were affected by the horrific stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in July.
In her most significant engagement to date this year, Kate, 42, joined Prince William to meet with the families of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.
Arriving in Southport as the autumn afternoon sun shone, the Princess, who has undergone several months of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, looked beautiful in a berry ensemble. William, in a nod to his wife, also donned a berry jumper.
The royal donned a Whistles Margot polka dot dress from the high street store’s 2018 collection, costing £159 at the time, and appeared to have added a pussybow detail to the collar.
She layered the frock with a structured pea coat from her favourite designer Alexander McQueen. Kate accessorised with her Gold Fern Drop Earrings from Catherine Zoraida, costing £165.
Kate previously donned her structured pea coat to the Earthshot Awards in Boston, when she travelled to the US in December 2022 to support Prince William.
During the Waleses’ visit, the couple also spent time with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, who was seriously injured as she shielded youngsters as they were attacked by a knifeman during a Taylor Swift-themed summer holiday class.
Afterwards the couple spoke to emergency responders who attended and helped on the day.
Prince William had promised the families and local community he would visit as soon as possible and his visit has long been scheduled in for today.
