London, Oct 1 (IANS) Duchess of Cambridge Catherine said she was “saddened” by the death of a 15-year-old Malaysian boy who was suffering from leukaemia.
Kate had paid special attention to leukaemia patient Zakwan Anuar during her recent tour with Prince William to a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, The Sun reported.
After her emotional meeting with Zakwan, Kate was compared to the late Princess Diana, her mother-in-law.
She “tenderly” laid a hand on Zakwan’s cheek and said: “Are you in pain? You’re a brave boy.”
Before the visit, Zakwan spent many days crying with pain. But his face lit up when he saw Kate. He grinned and told her she was “very pretty” as she signed his birthday card. She said he was “very handsome”.
Doctors said they had expected the boy to die within 48 hours of their meeting, but his 15-minute chat with the duchess gave him the strength to battle on for two more weeks.
Kate was told of Zakwan’s death after his 47-year-old mother Norizan Sulong contacted The Sun.
“We were next to him when he had his last moment. He was surrounded by his brother, sister, father, grandfather, grandmothers and school mates. I miss him terribly,” Norizan was quoted as saying.
Norizan said the “overwhelming” encounter with Kate lifted Zakwan’s spirits.
