Kate Middleton Issues Rare Statement Amid Health Concerns

Kate Middleton and Prince William release joint statement regarding RAF pilot's death amid the princess' ongoing battle with cancer. ABOVE: The Princess of Wales reopens the National Portrait Gallery in June 2023 after being closed for three years.

Kate Middleton made a rare public statement amid her ongoing battle with cancer over the weekend.

As the public continues to pressure the royal family for updates related to Kate's health, the Princess of Wales released a joint statement with her husband, Prince William, following the tragic death of Royal Air Force Pilot Mark Long, who was killed in a World War II-era spitfire plane crash while taking part in a Battle of Britain on Saturday.

William and his brother, Prince Harry, have strong military ties, making this tragic accident personal to them both.

While The Guardian reports an investigation into the crash near the air force base in eastern England has been launched and is ongoing, the royal couple offered the Squadron leader's family, friends and loved ones their condolences in a heartfelt statement.

"Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby," the official May 25 statement began. "Our thoughts this evening are with the pilot’s loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family."

The message was signed simply with the Prince and Princess of Wales' initials, "W & C."

This is one of a few public messages co-signed by the 42-year-old princess as she continues to undergo treatment for an unspecified type of cancer, with a more recent one coming in honor of 6-year-old son Prince Louis' birthday last month, for which Kate snapped the accompanying photo.

But in the two months since the Princess of Wales went public with her diagnosis, a Kensington Palace spokesperson did go on record with an update clarifying the status of Kate's highly-awaited return to public engagements and her royal duties as rumors swirl that Princess Beatrice could be preparing to take over some of Kate's royal commitments this summer.

Last week, the spokesperson confirmed Kate had been "briefed on" matters related to an organization–The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood–she launched nearly three years ago, telling BBC reporters: "Early childhood will continue to be central to her public work."

The project's executive director, Christian Guy, also claimed the princess was "excited" by the foundation's campaign and that the early years campaign was "rolling on as she recovers," per the outlet.

Next: Prince William Reportedly Set to Usher in a Big Role Without Princess Kate Next Month