PRINCESS Kate’s uncle Gary Goldsmith has pulled out of the Celebrity Big Brother final after his niece’s cancer diagnosis.
The former businessman had been set to appear on TV tonight – but has dropped out after Kate revealed she is receieving treatment.
He said: “Following today’s news, I will not be attending tonight’s Celebrity Big Brother final.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my fellow Housemates and to everyone involved in the making of this brilliant show.
More from Kate’s emotional message…
“I hope you all enjoy your special night.”
It comes after Kate revealed she is undergoing treatment for cancer.
The mother-of-three underwent successful major abdominal surgery in January and spent 13 days in hospital.
No cancer was detected at the time and it was believed to be non-cancerous.
But subsequent tests found cancer and she began a course of preventative chemotherapy at the end of February.
After leaving the Celebrity Big Brother house, Gary has only been spotted in public once.
Gary was the first to be evicted from the ITV show.
The Sun revealed how his sister, Kate’s mum Carole Middleton, had not given Gary her blessing to go onto the show over fears it could embarrass Prince William and Kate.
Her diagnosis is the second the royal family has faced since King Charles revealed he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
Kate said: “My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
“This of course came as a huge shock. William and I have been doing everything I can to process this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine this has taken time. It has taken time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
“Most importantly it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEBRUARY 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MARCH 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
“As I have said to them, I am well and I’m getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body and spirit.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”
William has been focused on supporting his wife and family.
The palace are unable to say when chemotherapy treatment will end.
