Dame Joan Collins has steadfastly refused to acknowledge Harry and Meghan.
Despite her recent praise for Katherine, the Princess of Wales, after a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis, she continues to sidestep any mention of the Sussexes. Her dismissive stance towards the couple has been evident in the past, and when asked again recently, she told the Sun newspaper, "I won't speak about them, sorry."
Joan made her remarks at the Inspiration Awards for Women, where she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. She specifically lauded Catherine for her courage in publicly addressing her health struggles. "We talked about children, you know. I'm a mother, she's a mother, and I was extremely saddened to hear the news," Joan expressed. "We all knew that she wasn't well, but I thought it was incredibly brave of her to make the announcement herself. It's very unusual for Royals to do that, don't you think?"
Encouraging respect for Catherine's privacy, Joan urged people to allow her the space to heal with her family. Catherine's announcement of her diagnosis came during a televised address, revealing the shock of discovering cancer after what was initially deemed non-cancerous surgery. William and Catherine have been navigating this privately, shielding their young family from the public eye. Harry and Meghan, in a public statement, extended their wishes for Catherine's health and healing, emphasizing the importance of privacy and peace during this challenging time.
Behind the scenes, Carol Middleton, the mother of the Princess of Wales, has been hailed for her pivotal role in supporting the family through Katherine's illness. Described as a crucial bond within the family, Carol has provided steadfast support with minimal fuss and maximum modesty.
She has taken on additional mothering duties, ensuring stability for the young Cambridge family. The Middleton source emphasized Carol's role as a steady presence, providing reassurance and acting as a rock for Katherine and William as they come to terms with the diagnosis. Carol, alongside her husband Michael, remains immune from family politics, allowing her to offer unwavering support wherever needed.
Meanwhile, King Charles is said to be proud of his daughter-in-law's courage in openly addressing her treatment. Charles, who revealed his own cancer diagnosis a month prior, remains in close contact with Katherine during her treatment. With both the head of state and the future Queen undergoing treatment for undisclosed forms of cancer, the royal family faces an uncertain period. However, it is expected that the monarch will rally around those at the heart of the institution, with Carol providing a steadfast source of support.
