Northern Ireland’s political leaders extend well wishes to Princess of Wales

By Jonathan McCambridge (PA)

Northern Ireland’s political leaders have extended well wishes to the Princess of Wales after she revealed she is undergoing treatment for cancer.

Stormont’s leaders, Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, both sent messages of support on social media shortly after Kate revealed the news in an emotional video message.

The First Minister and deputy First Minister jointly met with the Queen when she visited Hillsborough Castle in Co Down earlier in the week and took the opportunity to pass on their best wishes for the health of the King and the Princess of Wales.

In her message on X, Sinn Fein’s Ms O’Neill said: “I am very sorry to hear the news of the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis.

“I send her my best wishes and the strength for her treatment, and a full and speedy recovery.

“A special word of thought to her young family at this challenging time.”

The DUP’s Ms Little-Pengelly said Kate will be “in the thoughts and prayers of so many across Northern Ireland”.

She said: “Sending heartfelt best wishes and love from so many in Northern Ireland to the Princess of Wales.

“May God bless her and support her and the family through this difficult time.

“I know the Princess will be kept in the thoughts and prayers of so many across Northern Ireland.”

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said his thoughts and prayers were with the Princess of Wales and her family.

He added: “Wishing her a full and speedy recovery.”

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said Kate should now be left in peace to focus on her health.

In a social media post, she said: “Wishing the Princess of Wales speedy recovery to full health and hope that she can now be left in peace to focus on her health and her family.”

Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said cancer is an “invasive and insidious disease that many within our wider society face on a daily basis”.

He added: “They do so in private, surrounded by family and friends.

“Today, the news that the Princess of Wales is also battling cancer is of concern to the whole country but mostly to her family and particularly her young children.

“Sadly, she has to face this challenge in the glare of media speculation.

“On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I would like to wish Her Royal Highness a speedy recovery and hope she, and her family, will be given space to deal with this terrible disease in private.”

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said on X he was sorry to hear the news.

He added: “Families across these islands know the stress and strain it place on people and their loved ones.

“We hope she makes a quick and full recovery and our thoughts are with her family.”

TUV leader Jim Allister said: “On my own behalf and on behalf of TUV and those we represent I wish to join in the nation’s good wishes to HRH Princess of Wales on the distressing news that she is battling cancer.

“Cancer is no respecter of persons, but when it strikes a young mother it is particularly poignant.

“We trust and pray the Princess will make a full recovery and at this difficult time draw comfort from a nation at one in wishing her and her family well.”

Princess of Wales cancer announcement The Princess of Wales has announced she is undergoing treatment for cancer (Aaron Chown/PA)