In a deeply personal video message released on Friday, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, bravely disclosed that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy. The announcement follows weeks of intense public speculation regarding her health after a planned abdominal surgery in January.
The Princess, aged 42, described the diagnosis as a “huge shock” and revealed that tests conducted after her major surgery found cancer had been present. While the specific type of cancer has not been disclosed, Kensington Palace has affirmed their confidence in the Princess making a full recovery. Her medical team advised a course of preventative chemotherapy, which she commenced in late February.
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, shares her cancer diagnosis in a video message recorded at BBC Studios.
In her heartfelt address, Princess Catherine conveyed a message of hope and resilience, stating, “I am well and getting stronger every day.” She also extended her thoughts to others battling cancer, urging them to maintain faith and hope, emphasizing, “You are not alone.”
The Princess explained that her initial abdominal surgery was not performed with any known presence of cancer. The subsequent diagnosis came as a surprise, necessitating the preventative chemotherapy treatment. Kensington Palace has stated they will not release further details about the Princess’s private medical information, including the exact nature of the cancer.
Addressing the timeline, the Princess acknowledged the recovery period following her January surgery and emphasized the importance of managing the situation privately for her young family. “William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she stated, highlighting the need to protect her children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – from undue stress and speculation.
She further elaborated on the sensitive process of informing her children, explaining, “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.” The Princess appealed for privacy for her family during this challenging time, requesting “some time, space and privacy.”
The news of Princess Catherine’s diagnosis was shared with King Charles and Queen Camilla prior to the public announcement. King Charles, who is also undergoing treatment for cancer, is reportedly “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did,” according to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson. Having been treated at the same London Clinic as Princess Catherine in January, the King has maintained close contact with his daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, also released a message of support, stating, “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
In light of her health, Princess Catherine and Prince William are not expected to participate in the Royal Family’s Easter Sunday engagements. There is no anticipated early return to official duties for the Princess as she focuses on her treatment and recovery. Kensington Palace also clarified that Prince William’s absence from a memorial service on February 27 was directly related to the discovery of Princess Catherine’s cancer diagnosis.
The Princess of Wales’s announcement comes after weeks of intense public interest and, at times, intrusive speculation surrounding her health and whereabouts since Christmas. This period of heightened scrutiny was further amplified by the withdrawal of a Mother’s Day photograph due to concerns over digital manipulation, for which the Princess publicly apologized. Despite sightings of the couple shopping in Windsor, social media theories and conjecture continued to circulate.
The Princess acknowledged the support she has received, particularly from her husband, Prince William. “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,” she expressed.
Political leaders swiftly responded to the announcement, offering messages of support and emphasizing the need for privacy. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Princess Catherine’s “tremendous bravery” and condemned the “unfair treatment” she has faced from sections of the media and on social media. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer expressed his thoughts and highlighted the “optimistic tone” of the Princess’s message. US President Joe Biden conveyed his prayers for her “full recovery.”
Professor Pat Price, a leading oncologist and founder of the Catch Up With Cancer campaign, commended the Princess for her openness, suggesting it would encourage others to seek medical checks and speak about their own experiences with cancer. Professor Price emphasized the announcement as a “stark and shocking reminder that cancer is no respecter of age or social status.”
The Princess of Wales’s candid announcement has been met with widespread sympathy and admiration for her courage in sharing such personal news while navigating treatment and family life under intense public attention. Her message of hope and call for privacy resonate deeply as she embarks on her journey to recovery.
