Monday Memory: October 2, 2024
Rather than walk very far down memory lane this Monday morning, let’s look back to just this past Wednesday. The Waleses released two pictures on their social media of a private meeting Kate and William had at Windsor Castle with a young woman suffering from a rare and aggressive cancer.
Liz Hatton’s doctors have explained she has a timeframe of six months to three years left to live. Apparently, one of the items on her wish-list was to visit Windsor Castle. William learned about her through his patronage the London Air Ambulance Charity and, because she has taken up photography, invited her to photograph an investiture. Afterward, she was invited to a private meeting with Kate.
The Palace stressed this was not an official engagement, but obviously there is not a significant difference in the mind of the public. Again, I think the Palace is keen to avoid setting expectations that are not fulfilled, specifically: Kate is not back doing regular, run-of-the-mill engagements. At the same time, she suffered criticism from some quarters in the wake of her chemo video, with a number of complaints that she should be visiting cancer patients instead of releasing heavily produced videos. This type of private meeting keeps expectations low, but beats back some of the remarks that she isn’t doing anything as she recovers.
Kate was dressed professionally in her berry red Roland Mouret suit, which she has worn at least three times now. Once in Boston, once at an event at Hampton Court, and finally (not pictured) a reception in the run-up to her Shaping Us launch.
Kate accessorized with her Temple of Heaven earrings by Cassandra Goad. Kate just wore these on her weekend in Scotland last month, and they are a real throw-back. She has had these in her jewelry box for years and wore them often back in the day, but she has taken a long break from them. I have really enjoyed seeing their return!
I miss seeing Kate healthy and happy, out and about on frequent public engagements. Today, especially, I am reflecting on how much suffering there is in our world, both far away and close at home. My own family is in the midst of it again, since doctors last week removed a tumor in my dad that pathology revealed is an aggressive cancer. This happy meeting between Kate and this young girl (both in their own stages of suffering) highlights that sometimes all we can do is love and pray for each other, but loving and praying for one another is quite powerful and brings its own joy.
This was just the right event for Kate at the moment - sympathising with a fellow cancer sufferer with a shared hobby of photography. Re wearing a tried and tested suit was also a good move for a semi private public appearance.
I am so sorry to read about your father’s diagnosis. A cancer diagnosis is shocking for the person, for the family. Be gentle with yourselves as you absorb the news. I thought Kate’s engagement was lovely, bringing joy into that family’s life and encouraging others to think of ways to live in the present perhaps?