Shannen Doherty Praises Kate Middleton's 'Strength' Amid Their Battles With Cancer

Shannen Doherty is praising Kate Middleton  following the royals cancer diagnosis .

The Beverly Hills, 90210 star posted a heartfelt Instagram message  Friday shortly after the Princess of Wales revealed her diagnosis, ending widespread speculation about her weekslong absence from the public eye.

Doherty, who has herself battled cancer  for years, said in her tribute to Kate that being a public figure does not mean the public owns that person.

We ALL have the right to go thru illness or life privately, wrote the actor, who said in 2015 that shed been diagnosed with breast cancer and in 2023 that she had brain cancer .

The onslaught of conspiracy theories, ownership and plain morbid curiosity forced this person to explain herself before she had come to terms with it and explained to her children, she added, referring to the royal. I pray this is a learning moment for us all to respect privacy of others.

Doherty added, And to Princess Kate, I admire your strength thru the endless onslaught youve been under while going thru cancer.

In a video earlier Friday, Kate said that doctors initially believed she had a noncancerous condition, but that tests following an abdominal operation  indicated the presence of cancer. She said that experts advised her to undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy .

The Princess of Wales  added that she and her husband, Prince William , have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately.

Prior to the announcement, Kates absence from public view had spurred countless jokes and theories , with some onlookers reportedly trying to get to the bottom of it themselves .

Shes since received showings of support from not only her brother  but also King Charles , as well as Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle .

In her video, Kate thanked her supporters for their love and kindness.

I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal, in my mind, body and spirits, the royal said.