Kate Middleton leaning on her parents for support amid cancer battle: They’re ‘the real anchors in her life’

Kate Middleton is receiving support from her family amid her cancer diagnosis.

“She has a really tight group of friends and, particularly in Norfolk, really close friends there,” royal expert Katie Nicholl told Entertainment Tonight in an interview published Tuesday. “But I think the real anchors in her life are her parents … and her brother James… and her sister Pippa.”

“While you certainly don’t see them photographed together very often, they are very much there in the background,” she continued. “They are absolutely fundamental.”

Royal expert Katie Nicholl told Entertainment Tonight Kate Middleton’s family is an integral part of her support system as she is treated for cancer. AFP/Getty Images “I think the real anchors in her life are her parents … and her brother James… and her sister Pippa,” Nicholl noted. AP

James shared a message of support for his older sister following her shocking announcement with a throwback picture of the pair as kids.

“Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too ⛰️❤️,” he captioned the touching post.

Nicholl also said the Princess of Wales’ parents, Carole and Michael, are “relieved” her cancer was detected in its early stages and feel “reassured by the fact that the chemotherapy is preventative chemotherapy.”

James shared a touching message for his older sister on social media following her cancer announcement. UK Press via Getty Images Nicholl said her parents are “relieved” the cancer was caught early. AP

“Catherine is going to have the very best doctors in the world looking after her, so she’s in safe hands,” Nicholl reasoned.

“Carol and Michael, they’ve always been an incredibly strong couple and also very down to earth… what they’ll be doing right now is they’ll be coming together and supporting her — and not just William and Kate, [but] their grandchildren, too.”

In her cancer diagnosis announcement video, which Middleton, 42, shared on Friday, she said her husband, Prince William, has been by her side as a “great source of comfort and reassurance.”

Middleton announced she had cancer on Friday. Getty Images She did not reveal with what type of cancer she was diagnosed with. REUTERS

Page Six learned the Prince of Wales, 41, pulled out of a memorial service honoring his late godfather, King Constantine II of Greece, in February after he learned of Middleton’s illness.

The pair have since escaped to Anmer Hall in Norfolk with their three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, to enjoy family time.

Middleton will not join the royal family at this year’s Easter service because of her ongoing chemotherapy treatment. It is not clear if William and their kids will make an appearance.

---

More must-see royals coverage:

How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle metPrince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship timelineRoyal family tree and line of succession

---

The Princess of Wales said during her announcement that Prince William has been by her side as a “great source of comfort and reassurance.” AP An insider told Page Six he is quite “stressed” by the situation. REUTERS The couple and their three kids are currently enjoying family time at Anmer Hall in Norfolk. Getty Images

According to a palace insider, William is “doing his best” to balance his responsibilities as his wife focuses on her health.

“One minute he’s doing the school run and now he is under incredible stress,” Page Six’s source added.

Of course, Middleton’s diagnosis announcement came one month after her father-in-law, King Charles III, revealed he was being treated for cancer.