Prince Harry: JJ Chalmers reveals when he last spoke to Duke Prince Harry 's close friend JJ Chalmers spoke out to issue a plea to Princess Kate after it was confirmed that she had been diagnosed with cancer after taking a step back from public appearances. Chalmers, who is presenting the Olympics 2024 and previously appeared on Strictly , grew close with Harry while they were in the military together, with the Duke of Sussex even sitting in the BBC show's audience to cheer him on during his stint. After Kate's diagnosis became public knowledge, Chalmers said to Richard Eden of Daily Mail: "I was a similar age to [Prince] George when my mum was diagnosed with cancer for the first time, so I know how it feels as a kid.
"Thankfully, my mum made it, but my auntie didn't." He then pleaded with Princess Kate to use her "influence" to raise awareness about cancer, sparking backlash from some royal fans , who felt she should be allowed to recover in private. JJ Chalmers issued a desperate plea to Princess Kate (Image: BBC/Sam Riley) Chalmers added that he felt Kate's emotional video could have a "silver lining", saying: "She and her family will be able to make the world a slightly better place.
" In April, Chalmers confessed that he always turns to Prince Harry when he is struggling, because he "gets it" when he is battling mental health issues. He said: "Having lived those experiences, sometimes especially when you are having to discuss those experiences like it needs to be with som.
