Duchess reveals shock cancer diagnosis after Kate Middleton and King Charles’ ordeal
The Duchess of Rutland, whose title is Emma Manners, was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer last year after discovering a lump, which she initially dismissed
A Duchess has disclosed her unexpected battle with cancer. Similar to King Charles and the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Rutland received a cancer diagnosis last year.
She discovered a lump that she initially thought was “a pimple or cyst”, but it turned out to be stage two breast cancer.
At 61, Emma Manners, also known as the Duchess, underwent a biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis, leading to surgery to remove her left breast and subsequent radiotherapy treatment, reports the Mirror.
Speaking candidly about her ordeal, she expressed: “Cancer is a hideous disease and the ultimate leveller. No one is immune – not the King of England, the Princess of Wales and certainly not me.”
Residing at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire and separated from her husband David, the 11th Duke of Rutland, she shared her personal experience in The Telegraph: “Like everyone else who has ever found themselves sitting opposite a doctor being told ‘you have cancer’, I felt terrified.”
The mother of five has since revamped her lifestyle, focusing on diet, engaging in daily guided meditations to manage stress, enjoying nature walks, and keeping a diary.
Now in remission and content with her new partner Phil, Emma is embracing life with renewed vigour, stating: “Now I’ve found my voice again – and I’ve a lot of living to do.”
King Charles disclosed his cancer diagnosis last February and is still receiving weekly treatments.
Recently, the King had to cancel a scheduled engagement in Birmingham to focus on his recuperation following temporary side effects from his treatment at the London Clinic, which led to a hospital visit for observation.
Buckingham Palace has been working to reassure the public about the King’s recent hospital stay, with royal insiders referring to it as “a bump in the road” while maintaining that Charles’ treatment is still “very much headed in the right direction”.
The King’s forthcoming overseas trip with the Queen between April 7-10 to Italy, which includes a historic moment where he will address both houses of the Italian parliament, is reportedly still set to proceed.
Charles resumed his regular royal commitments earlier this week.
In another part of the Royal Family, the Princess of Wales faced her own battle with cancer last year after major abdominal surgery.
She underwent preventative chemotherapy and shared in a personal video last summer that she had completed the therapy.
After a January visit to Royal Marsden Hospital to meet other cancer patients, Kate announced her remission status.
At that time, she expressed: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.
“I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
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