Current location:style >>
LIZ JONES: Kate's strength has made me ashamed. And there's one self
style12654People have gathered around
IntroductionAfter Kate's bombshell announcement that she is being treated for cancer I read numerous news report ...
After Kate's bombshell announcement that she is being treated for cancer I read numerous news reports applauding the 373 per cent surge in internet searches for the word 'cancer'. Incredible, and doubtless this will save lives.
Kate's candour not only encouraged others to seek advice but managed to sweep away any vestige of shame about having the disease. I doubt a single action by a member of the Royal family has ever had such an impact, certainly not since Princess Diana held the hands of Aids sufferers and talked about her struggles with bulimia and her mental health.
But I think Kate's composure will have a more far-reaching effect that will change millions of mind-sets as well.
The Princess of Wales in her video message. 'I was most touched that, on a day when she must have been trembling with nerves and doubtless tired, she had made such an effort with her appearance,' Liz Jones writes
As I watched Kate's video message I was clutching a cushion, strangling sobs that made my throat hurt. And I finally saw the woman behind the immaculate outfits, the composure, the smile. I was most touched that, on a day when she must have been trembling with nerves and doubtless tired, she had made such an effort with her appearance – she had even had her hair done for us. She had got dressed: simply, in jeans and Breton top, but still immaculate. She sat up straight.
Most importantly, she managed a smile. Her concern seemed to be for us, and for her family. She only stumbled on her words once, and that made her seem more human. Her composure reminded me of the late Queen, who could so easily have wailed at the loss of her freedom when she ascended to the throne aged just 25. They both put us first. I'm reminded too of my mum, crippled by arthritis and dementia, but who managed to parrot two phrases, which she repeated to anyone who asked: 'I'm fine' and 'I'm getting better, thank you.'
What a contrast, a revelation, when we are all encouraged to wallow, to own our own sorrow, to 'self care' above all else – a message disseminated by self-help books, podcasts, soothing products and candles.
READ MORE: LIZ JONES: The first time I spoke to rock legend Steve Harley he was livid with me. But the man I grew to know was as kind as he was fragile
AdvertisementBefore Kate's video aired, I had just spent a week almost having a nervous breakdown. I was so stressed that I was unable to eat or think straight. I was shaking and sweating, faced with potentially life changing decisions about moving house, moving in with a man, changing my daily routine. I couldn't even take a bath, let alone wash my hair, as what is the point? No one could help me, no one could give me advice. All I could do was escape into mindless TV. I couldn't even focus to read a book: the words danced on the page.
But watching Kate, I realised that the only thing that matters is our health. I once wrote in a column, in a misjudged moment of rage, embroiled in self pity, that I 'would rather have cancer than be made bankrupt. When you have money troubles, no one has sympathy, as they believe it is all your own stupid fault… No one turns up with a pot of stew, or flowers, or help'.
Seeing a young woman – who has three young children, responsibilities – face cancer with stoicism and grace made me feel deeply ashamed. What a whiny nation we've become. Women especially, buckled so easily by cat calling, the menopause, anyone treating us disrespectfully in any way. It put it in perspective that we could be felled at any point by something really serious, and life threatening.
Kate changed my mind-set. It was as though she flipped a switch. We should appreciate each day. Get up, get dressed. I've been a fashion writer for many decades and only now realise that what we wear can be a uniform, a show of strength that changes not only how we appear, but how we feel.
Because if it cancer can happen to Kate – so fit, so healthy, outwardly without a worry in the world – it can happen to any of us. And with our current me me me attitude, very few will be ready…
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“Stellar Site news portal”。http://turkey.downmusic.org/article-73e099920.html
Related articles
Justin Timberlake set to bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Australia in 2025
styleJustin Timberlake is set to bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Australia next year.Daily Ma ...
【style】
Read moreTwo bodies are found in hunt for Kansas moms who disappeared two weeks ago
styleTwo bodies have been recovered in connection with the disappearance of a pair of Kansas mothers who ...
【style】
Read moreLas Vegas lawyer and wife killed amid custody fight for children from prior marriage, family says
styleLAS VEGAS (AP) — A Las Vegas lawyer and his wife had been in the middle of a contentious battle for ...
【style】
Read more
Popular articles
- Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
- China expects over 750 mln inter
- Married teacher caught naked in car with male student, 17, is the wife of Harvard
- Las Vegas lawyer and wife killed amid custody fight for children from prior marriage, family says
- Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
- Hawks' Trae Young says he feels better after late
Latest articles
Red Lobster seeks bankruptcy protection after closing some restaurants
Colombia's capital announces new measures to cut water consumption as dry weather persists
Randal Gaines defeats Katie Bernhardt to become new chair of Louisiana Democratic Party
How major US stock indexes fared Monday, 4/15/2024
Analysis: Larson enters conversation with Verstappen as best drivers in the world
NFL's first medical summit brought teams together to collaborate on improving player safety
LINKS
- In boost to Olympic ambitions, Istanbul moves closer to hosting 2027 European Games.
- Police dismantle pro
- Selfish tourist topples historic 113 year
- Row breaks out over sex education ban for under
- Poland puts judge who defected to Belarus on wanted list, opening way to international warrant
- Nashville SC fires coach Gary Smith after 3
- Belgian soccer pauses ticket sales for Israel game amid security fears
- Ludvig Aberg aims to build on his Masters runner
- Former world champion Alaphilippe wins the hilly 12th stage of the Giro. Pogacar still leads
- University of California official says system has $32 billion in holdings targeted by protesters