According to sources close to the Prince and Princess of Wales, a heartbreaking revelation has emerged concerning 8-year-old Princess Charlotte.

It’s reported that she’s deeply affected by the changes she’s witnessing in her mother, Princess Catherine, during her battle with cancer.

“You take heart from the extraordinary resilience of children,” a longtime family friend tells People exclusively in this week’s cover story. The news of Princess Catherine’s diagnosis has undoubtedly sent shock waves through the royal family and the world alike.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are getting through her health crisis with support from Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who buoy them with smiles back.

The family friend says Catherine and William’s kids are a special source of support as she receives cancer treatment. “They having fun together when they can is very important,” the insider adds.

But for Princess Charlotte, the journey her mother is undertaking is especially difficult to comprehend at such a tender age. She’s grappling with the stark transformations occurring within her mother as she undergoes cancer treatment. Princess Katherine’s once radiant appearance has changed slightly due to the harsh effects of chemotherapy and other medical interventions.

Sources close to the family reveal that Prince Charlotte finds it particularly distressing to witness her mother’s physical changes despite her young age. Princess Charlotte is trying her best to be there for her mother during this challenging time. She’s often seen by Princess Catherine’s side offering whatever comfort and support she can, the friend adds.

The turning point is a positive one in Catherine and Charlotte’s relationship. It means a growing sense of like-minded enjoyment between the mother and the 8-year-old. “There’s a point in every parent-child relationship where there is a sense of friendship growing out of the nurturing role. The children are at the center of their world,” the friend continued about Prince William and Princess Catherine, which was made clear in the royal’s cancer announcement and the timing of it.

The Princess of Wales waited to make the public announcement about her health until after her children were out of school for the Easter holiday. George, Charlotte, and Louis aren’t due back in the classroom until later in April, creating space for the family to spend private time together.

They will no doubt be spending the next few weeks away from the public eye, particularly after Kate has asked for privacy as she focuses on her recovery. We now understand the logic of the timing, waiting for the children to break up from school, and she struck a pitch-perfect note.

Princess Charlotte is quickly becoming one of the most popular members of the royal family, with her exciting future title, surprising school nickname, and unusual food preferences making her headline news on the regular. As Princess Katherine continues her courageous battle against cancer, the love and support of her family, including Princess Charlotte, remain unwavering. It’s a testament to the strength of their bond and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.