'Life throws you obstacles': Kate Middleton's younger brother James breaks silence on sister's heartbreaking cancer journey
preventative chemotherapy
.
In a heartfelt interview, James Middleton, an entrepreneur, author, and younger brother to the Princess of Wales opened up about the emotional toll of Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis and how their close-knit family rallied together during one of their darkest chapters.
James, 38, who spoke about mental health and his new book - Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, during the intimate interview also offered a glimpse into his sister's recent health crisis.
In March 2024, Princess Kate, now 43, announced her cancer diagnosis, revealing she had started preventative chemotherapy. After months of intensive treatment, she shared in January 2025 that she was in remission.
Looking back at the challenging time, James revealed how the family had to quietly anchor themselves through uncertainty, learning to offer support not with grand gestures, but with patience, empathy, and unwavering presence.
'What I think is that, as a family, you learn to see and process and understand things. For her and her family, it was a challenging time, and I know for us and our bigger family, it was a challenging time, but I think it's about communication and it's about offering support and help where you can," he said.
"Being there for someone is such an important part, and it doesn't necessarily have to be on your terms, and it shouldn't be on your terms.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Here's the Cost of a 6-Hour Clog-Free Gutter Upgrade
HomeBuddy
Learn More
Undo
It should be on their terms; unconditional: 'I'm not doing it for something in return. I'm doing it because I love you,' he continued.
"And that's the simplest way of really demonstrating love. You can do it in all these various fancy ways, but actually, you know, it is just generally being there,' the author said.
In 2017, James was diagnosed with mental health issues. He turned to
cognitive behavioral therapy
, medication, and the healing companionship of his dog Ella, who inspired his book.
Throughout his recovery, his family, especially sisters Kate and Pippa, stood beside him.
'Having them there meant that I knew I was surrounded by people that truly understood what I was going through,' he said, recalling how Kate and Pippa even attended some of his early therapy sessions.
In September, Middleton while promoting his book in the US had opened up about supporting his sister, Princess Kate, through her cancer battle.
'There are huge numbers of people who go through [cancer]. It doesn't matter who you are, what your upbringing is. Life throws you obstacles."
'We are a close family. It is always important to have support around you and not do things alone. Sharing it does help bring people together. My love and support for my family is more than just an Instagram post,' referencing his March social media post about the diagnosis," he added.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Mother's Day wishes
,
messages
, and
quotes
!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
'Exploited patients for sex': Indian-origin doctor in New Jersey charged with medical fraud, assault on female patients
Indian-origin doctor charged in New Jersey for prescribing opioids taking sexual favors from patients. Ritesh Kalra, an Indian-origin New Jersey doctor, has been charged with multiple medical frauds, including the distribution of opioids without any legitimate medical purpose, billing the visits that never happened. Kalra also solicited sexual favors from patients in exchange for opioid prescriptions. According to DOJ documents, Kalwa is now on home arrest and is also prohibited from practicing medicine and prescribing medication and will be required to shut down his medical practice while the case is pending. Opioid prescriptions without medical purpose Dr Kalra allegedly operated a pill mill out of his medical office, where he routinely prescribed high-dose opioids—including oxycodone—and promethazine with codeine to patients without a legitimate medical purpose. Between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, including days when he wrote upwards of 50 prescriptions. Sexual favors for opioid prescription Several of Kalra's former employees claimed that female patients complained that Kalra touched them sexually and demanded sexual favors of them, including oral sex, in order to obtain their prescriptions. One patient even claimed she was forced to do anal sex during her clinical appointments. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo Another patient continued to receive opioid prescriptions from Kalra when the patient was incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility and had no contact with Kalra. False bills for in-person visits that never happened Kalra also allegedly billed for in-person visits and counseling sessions that never occurred. As part of the health care fraud scheme, Kalra's electronic medical records allegedly contained false progress notes listing fabricated dates of service, and included examination notes that were generally identical from visit to visit and did not record vital signs. US attorney Alina Habba said Dr Kalsa used the position of responsibility held by physicians to fuel addiction among his patients. 'Physicians hold a position of profound responsibility—but as alleged, Dr. Kalra used that position to fuel addiction, exploit vulnerable patients for sex, and defraud New Jersey's public healthcare program. By allegedly exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors and billing Medicaid for ghost appointments, he not only violated the law but endangered lives. Our Office will continue to pursue those who turn their medical licenses into tools for personal gain and sexual gratification," Alina Habba said.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
3 Democrat-led states roll back Medicaid access for people lacking permanent legal status
For nearly 20 years, Maria would call her sister - a nurse in Mexico - for advice on how to manage her asthma and control her husband's diabetes instead of going to the doctor in California. She didn't have legal status, so she couldn't get health insurance and skipped routine exams, relying instead on home remedies and, at times, getting inhalers from Mexico. She insisted on using only her first name for fear of deportation. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Design Thinking Product Management CXO PGDM Digital Marketing Management others Project Management MCA Healthcare MBA Data Analytics healthcare Data Science Public Policy Degree Cybersecurity Leadership Artificial Intelligence Operations Management Finance Others Technology Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 22 Weeks IIM Indore CERT-IIMI DTAI Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 25 Weeks IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK PCP DTIM Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Things changed for Maria and many others in recent years when a handful of Democrat-led states opened up their health insurance programmes to low-income immigrants regardless of their legal status. Maria and her husband signed up the day the programme began last year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "It changed immensely, like from Earth to the heavens," Maria said in Spanish of Medi-Cal , California's Medicaid programme. "Having the peace of mind of getting insurance leads me to getting sick less." At least seven states and the District of Columbia have offered coverage for immigrants since mostly 2020. But three of them have done an about-face, ending or limiting coverage for hundreds of thousands of immigrants who aren't in the US legally in California, Illinois and Minnesota. Live Events The programmes cost way more than officials had projected at a time when the states are facing multibillion-dollar deficits now and in the future. In Illinois, adult immigrants ages 42-64 without legal status have lost their health care to save an estimated USD 404 million. All adult immigrants in Minnesota no longer have access to the state programme, saving nearly USD 57 million. In California, no one will automatically lose coverage, but new enrolments for adults will stop in 2026 to save more than USD 3 billion over several years. Cuts in all three states were backed by Democratic governors who once championed expanding health coverage to immigrants. The Trump administration this week shared the home addresses, ethnicities and personal data of all Medicaid recipients with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. Twenty states, including California, Illinois and Minnesota, have sued. Health care providers told The Associated Press that everything, especially the fear of being arrested or deported, is having a chilling effect on people seeking care. And states may have to spend more money down the road because immigrants will avoid preventive health care and end up needing to go to safety-net hospitals. "I feel like they continue to squeeze you more and more to the point where you'll burst," Maria said, referencing all the uncertainties for people who are in the US without legal permission. Monthly fees, federal policies create barriers State lawmakers said California's Medi-Cal changes stem from budget issues - a USD 12 billion deficit this year, with larger ones projected ahead. Democratic state leaders last month agreed to stop new enrolment starting in 2026 for all low-income adults without legal status. Those under 60 remaining on the programme will have to pay a USD 30 monthly fee in 2027. States are also bracing for impact from federal policies. Cuts to Medicaid and other programmes in the recently signed massive tax and spending bill include a 10 per cent cut to the federal share of Medicaid expansion costs to states that offer health benefits to immigrants starting October 2027. California health officials estimate roughly 200,000 people will lose coverage after the first full year of restricted enrolment, though Gov. Gavin Newsom maintains that even with the rollbacks, California provides the most expansive health care coverage for poor adults. Every new bill requires a shift in Maria's monthly calculations to make ends meet. She believes many people won't be able to afford the USD 30-a-month premiums and will instead go back to self-medication or skip treatment altogether. "It was a total triumph," she said of Medi-Cal expansion. "But now that all of this is coming our way, we're going backwards to a worse place." Fear and tension about immigration raids are changing patient behaviour, too. Providers told the AP that, as immigration raids ramped up, their patients were requesting more virtual appointments, not showing up to routine doctor's visits and not picking up prescriptions for their chronic conditions. Maria has the option to keep her coverage. But she is weighing the health of her family against risking what they've built in the US. "It's going to be very difficult," Maria said of her decision to remain on the program. "If it comes to the point where my husband gets sick and his life is at risk, well then, obviously, we have to choose his life."
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Don't ignore these heart warning signs in your 40s, 50s, and 60s
Heart warning signs Heart attacks are no longer just a concern for seniors. New research reveals that heart disease is hitting younger adults, especially women, harder than ever. With a 66% rise in heart attacks among adults aged 18 to 44, it's critical to recognise early warning signs of heart trouble. Experts say lifestyle habits, rising obesity, and even past COVID infections are driving this surge. If you're in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, now is the time to take charge of your heart health and prevent a silent crisis. Here's what you need to know and how to protect yourself. Heart disease is often considered a concern for older adults, but new findings show a troubling trend: heart attacks are on the rise among younger adults, particularly women. In an interview with Yahoo! Life , Dr. C. Noel Bairey Merz, director of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai's Smidt Heart Institute, shared her insights into this alarming development. She pointed out that while heart attacks among adults aged 18 to 44 are still relatively rare, their incidence has jumped by over 66% since 2019. Meanwhile, heart attack rates have decreased in other adult age groups. According to Apollo Hospitals, it is true that increasing age is a risk factor, and heart attacks are more common after 45 in men and after 55 in women, with risk increasing as one grows older. A heart attack is far from rare in the younger age group of 30 to 40 years. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) occurs at a younger age in Indians, with over 50% of CAD mortality occurring in individuals aged less than 50 years. Prevalence of acute MI (heart attack) as high as 25 to 40% has been reported in the young, that is, patients below 40 years of age. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologists Confirm: 60-Year-Old Sheds Fat With 4 Ingredients The Healthy Way Learn More Undo Warning signs behind the sudden rise in heart attacks Obesity is rising, and it's hitting young adults hard. Obesity is a growing issue in all age groups, but younger adults seem to be feeling the effects on their heart health more than older generations. Dr. Andrew Moran , a preventive cardiologist and epidemiologist at Columbia University, told Yahoo Life that the rise in obesity is happening faster in people under 50 than in older adults. One reason may be that eating habits often form early in life. Dr. C. Noel Bairey Merz, a cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai, explained to Yahoo Life that she still eats the way she did growing up, before the fast food boom. In contrast, today's younger adults were raised on fast food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks like Doritos and snack bars. Many continue those habits into adulthood. These poor diets, combined with more sedentary lifestyles, have contributed to what Bairey Merz calls the 'diabesity' epidemic—a dangerous combination of obesity and diabetes. Both of these conditions raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and heart attacks because they damage blood vessels and put extra strain on the heart. COVID-19 may have worsened heart health COVID-19 doesn't just affect the lungs; it can also harm the heart. The virus can cause heart inflammation (myocarditis) and other cardiovascular issues, even in younger people. Dr. Moran noted to Yahoo Life that many young adults who had serious cases of COVID also had other risk factors like obesity. One study found a 30% rise in heart attack deaths among people ages 25 to 44 during the first two years of the pandemic. Even after recovering from COVID, around 4 out of every 100 people in the U.S. experience heart-related symptoms within a year. Dr. Ashish Sarraju from the Cleveland Clinic added that while traditional risks like obesity and high blood pressure matter, the impact of COVID on heart health is something doctors are still studying closely. Young men often don't get heart screenings Men are generally more likely than women to have heart attacks. But younger men may be even more at risk because many don't regularly visit the doctor. Dr. Moran explained that young women are more likely to see a doctor each year for gynaecological checkups, but young men often miss these routine visits. As a result, many men don't realise they have high blood pressure or diabetes until they end up in the hospital. Unique heart risks facing younger women Heart attack rates are increasing fastest among women ages 35 to 54. Between 1995 and 2014, hospitalisations for heart attacks in this group jumped from 21% to 31%, according to one study. Dr. Bairey Merz told Yahoo Life she's trying to understand why, and several factors may be playing a role: Diabesity : Diabetes is a stronger risk factor for heart disease in women than in men, though it's not clear why. Smoking and vaping : Many young women start smoking or vaping in college, often to manage their weight. Bairey Merz warns that e-cigarettes and cannabis are just as harmful to the heart as regular cigarettes. Stress and hormonal changes : High stress levels—often made worse by social media—can disrupt menstrual cycles. Missing periods can lower estrogen levels, which may increase heart disease risk. What you can do to protect your heart Though the warnings are constant, you can do some damage control and restore the health of your heart, or in other words, you can take steps now to reduce your risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Here's what professionals suggest: Eat more fresh foods : Dr. Moran recommends eating more fruits and vegetables and cutting back on packaged and processed foods. This helps lower your sodium intake, which is important for your heart health. Be physically active: Try to stay active most days of the week, even if it's just a walk. Consuming healthy food and doing physical exercise help you to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the chances of developing high blood pressure. Don't smoke or vape: Avoid all tobacco and cannabis products; they can all harm your heart. Manage stress: Pay attention to your mental health, especially if you feel overwhelmed or anxious. Also read | Bowel cancer warning for young adults: Red meat and sugar may be to blame
