Kate Middleton's Uncle Speaks to Her Health Journey While on Celebrity Big Brother

Kate Middleton’s uncle, Gary Goldsmith, reflected on the Princess of Wales’ recovery from planned abdominal surgery and recalled his first meeting with Prince William.

By Brahmjot Kaur Mar 07, 2024 6:57 PMTags
Watch: Kate Middleton's Uncle Speaks Out on Her Recovery

Kate Middleton's relatives are weighing in on her healing process.

As the Princess of Wales continues her recovery from abdominal surgery, her uncle Gary Goldsmith shared insight into why she's remained out of the spotlight.

"Because she doesn't want to talk about it," Carole Middleton's younger brother explained to Celebrity Big Brother UK housemate Ekin-Su Culculoglu on the March 6 episode, "there's a kind of code of etiquette. But if it's announced, I'll give you an opinion."

"I spoke to her mum, my sister," he added. "She's getting the best care in the world. All the family has done is put the wagons around and look after family first, before anything else."

But even as curiosity has increased about Kate's recovery, the palace has continued to reassert the 42-year-old's privacy.

"Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess' recovery and we'd only be providing significant updates," a spokesperson told E! News Feb. 29. "That guidance stands."

photos
Kate Middleton & Prince William's Best Moments

As for her husband Prince William, he's not paying attention to any speculation as his spokesperson told People March 6, "His focus is on his work and not on social media."

But while the royal family is keeping mum, that doesn't mean Gary—who has stirred up controversy among Celebrity Big Brother UK fans over his previous conviction for domestic violence—won't say a few words. "She is simply perfect," the 59-year-old said during his introduction on the show. "The first time I met William, Catherine was cooking and William said, 'Hi! Do you want a cup of tea?' Very normal."

UK Press Pool/UK Press via Getty Images

Kate is on the mend as she was seen for the first time March 4 while riding in the passenger seat of a car alongside her mom. And she isn't the only royal who is going through a health challenge. King Charles III has stepped back from his public engagements amid his battle with cancer, although Buckingham Palace confirmed he is continuing with his official and State duties. 

And during this time, he is grateful for the outpouring love and support from the public.

"I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days," he wrote in a Feb. 10 statement. "As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement."

Keep reading to stay updated with the biggest royal news of 2024.

The Royal Family Celebrate Christmas

King Charles III and wife Queen Camilla were joined by Prince William, Kate Middleton and kids Prince GeorgePrincess Charlotte and Prince Louis on their annual Christmas Day walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham in Norfolk, England.

Kate Middleton and Prince William Take Their 3 Kids Christmas Caroling

The family of five attended the annual Together At Christmas Carol Service at London's Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6. The holiday outing marked the first time the Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out with their children since the Trooping of the Colour ceremony in June.

Meghan Markle Breaks Silence on Prince Harry Divorce Rumors

The Duchess of Sussex shut down speculation of marital problems, joking during a Dec. 4 event in New York, "We've apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times."

"So, it's just like, 'What?'" continued Meghan, who shares kids Archie Harrison and Lilibet "Lili" Diana with the Duke of Sussex. "It's hard to keep up with, but that's why you just sort of ignore it."

King Charles III and Queen Camilla's Dog Beth Dies

The couple paid tribute to their late Jack Russell terrier on Nov. 18.

"A sad farewell to Beth, The Queen’s much-loved companion from @Battersea Dogs and Cats Home," a message on their official Instagram account read, "who brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties, or curled up by the fire."

Queen Camilla Withdraws From Public Engagements Due to Chest Infection

"Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest," the Buckingham Palace announced on Nov. 5. "With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week, but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend's Remembrance events as normal. She apologises to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result."

Camilla returned to work on Nov. 12 to host a reception at Clarence House.

Princess Beatrice Is Expecting Baby No. 2

The royal and her husband of four years Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are expecting their second child together, the Royal Family announced Oct. 1.

“Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together early in the new year,” the caption of their Instagram post read. “His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.”

Kate Middleton Completes Chemotherapy

On Sept. 9, the Princess of Wales shared that she had completed chemotherapy after being diagnose with an unspecified form of cancer earlier this year. 

"The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you," she said in a video statement. "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."

The royal added, "Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can."

Kate Middleton's First Formal Appearance Since Cancer Diagnosis

The Princess of Wales returned to the spotlight on June 15—three months after sharing her cancer diagnosis—for the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London. She was joined by her husband Prince William and their three kids: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Princess Anne Is Released From Hospital 

The Princess Royal was discharged after a five-day stay at Southmead Hospital. Her husband, Tim Laurence, said in a statement June 28, "I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all the team at Southmead Hospital for their care, expertise and kindness during my wife’s short stay."

Princess Anne is Hospitalized With Concussion

The younger sister of King Charles III sustained minor injuries during an incident at her estate Gatcombe Park, Buckingham Palace has announced.

"Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery," the June 24 statement, shared to X, read. "The King has been kept closely informed and joins the whole Royal Family in sending his fondest love and well-wishes to The Princess for a speedy recovery."

Kate Middleton Shares Chemotherapy Update

Nearly three months after sharing her cancer diagnosis, the Princess of Wales said that she's "making good progress" with chemotherapy, though there are "good days and bad days" amid her health journey.

"On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting," Kate wrote on Instagram June 14. "But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well."

She added, "My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home."

New Role for Prince William

On May 13, King Charles III bestowed the title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to his oldest son, sparking controversy as many royal watchers believed the title would be more suited for Prince Harry, who trained and served in the military branch.

Kin Charles III Returns to Public Duties

On April 26, nearly three months after sharing his cancer diagnosis, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles will return to public-facing duties

Queen Camilla Attends Royal Maundy Service

The queen consort attended the Royal Maundy Service on March 28 in place of King Charles III, making her the first spouse of the Monarch to continue the ancient tradition.

Kate Middleton Shares Cancer Diagnosis

In a March 22 video message, the Princess of Wales shared that she'd been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.

"It was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful," she said before noting that tests after the operation found cancer had been present. "My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment."

Kate Middleton Apologizes for Edited Family Photo Controversy

After photo agencies pulled the picture Kensington Palace shared of Kate since having her abdominal surgery on March 10, the Princess of Wales addressed claims the photo was doctored

"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," she tweeted on March 11. "I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C."

Lady Kitty Spencer Privately Welcomes Baby

Princess Diana's niece celebrated Mother's Day in the U.K. by sharing she and her husband Michael Lewis privately welcomed their first baby.

“It’s the joy of my life to be your mummy, little one. I love you unconditionally," she captioned her March 10 Instagram post. "Happy Mother’s Day to those who celebrate today."

Queen Camilla Takes a Break

After keeping up her full slate of engagements in the wake of her husband's cancer diagnosis, the palace cleared Camilla's schedule.

The Times pointed out March 2 that the queen consort didn't have any engagements on her calendar until March 11, when she'd be due at Westminster Abbey to observe Commonwealth Day.

Thomas Kensington Dies at 45

The husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor and ex-boyfriend of Pippa Middleton, was found dead Feb. 25. Days later, a coroner's inquest found that he died by suicide.

King Charles Diagnosed With Cancer

While King Charles III was in the hospital for his benign prostate enlargement procedure, the royal family member was diagnosed with cancer.

"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," Buckingham Palace said Feb. 5. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."

Sarah Ferguson Is Diagnosed With a Second Type of Cancer

The Duchess of York's rep said in a statement on Jan. 21 that Sarah was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. Several months prior, she underwent a single mastectomy to treat breast cancer.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark Abdicates the Throne

On Jan. 14, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark made history as she officially abdicated the throne, handing the crown over to her son, now known as King Frederik the 10th

King Charles III Undergoing Treatment

Shortly after Kate's hospitalization was made public, Buckingham Palace shared that Charles "has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate."

"His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure," the statement added. "The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."

Prince William Adjusting His Schedule

Amid Kate's recovery, Prince William postponed a number of engagements as he supported his family, including the couple's three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Kate Middleton Is Hospitalized

Kensington Palace announced on Jan. 17 that the Princess of Wales underwent planned abdominal surgery and was set to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days.

"Based on the current medical advice," the Palace said, "she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

Luxembourg Welcomes a New Baby

Princess Claire and Prince Felix of Luxembourg welcomed son Balthazar Felix Karl on Jan. 7, the first royal baby of the New Year!

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App