The announcement of Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis in 2024 sent shockwaves around the world, prompting widespread concern and speculation about the Princess of Wales’s health. Catherine, as she is formally known, bravely shared news of her diagnosis and subsequent preventative chemotherapy treatment. After months of dedicated medical care and public absence, the Princess has thankfully confirmed she is now in remission and has gradually returned to public royal duties. While the specific type of cancer has not been disclosed by Buckingham Palace, Kate Middleton has been forthcoming with updates regarding her treatment and overall health journey, offering transparency during a challenging personal time.
Her initial announcement in March 2024 revealed the start of chemotherapy following its discovery after major abdominal surgery. Later updates in June confirmed she was still undergoing treatment while making a cherished public appearance at Trooping the Colour. By September 2024, encouraging news arrived as she shared the completion of her chemotherapy, expressing hope for the future. The joyous announcement of being in remission came in January 2025, marking a significant milestone in her recovery.
In her own words, posted on Instagram, Princess Kate described the relief of remission and her continued focus on recovery, acknowledging the adjustment to a “new normal” that a cancer diagnosis entails. She expressed gratitude for the unwavering support received and optimism for the year ahead.
Below is a comprehensive timeline detailing Kate Middleton’s cancer journey, compiled from official statements and updates released by the Princess and Buckingham Palace.
A Timeline of Kate Middleton’s Cancer Journey
December 2023
Princess Kate’s last public appearance before her health challenges became known was in December 2023. She joined the royal family for their traditional Christmas church service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Sandringham. This annual event is a long-standing tradition, held near one of the royal family’s estates and marked a seemingly normal holiday period before the subsequent health concerns emerged.
January 2024
In January 2024, Kensington Palace released a statement announcing that the Princess of Wales had undergone a “planned abdominal surgery” in mid-January. The palace clarified that the surgery was successful, but also indicated a substantial recovery period. Kate was hospitalized at the London Clinic, a private facility, for 13 days following the procedure. The initial communication from the palace mentioned that Kate would be recuperating for two to three months, even prior to the cancer diagnosis becoming public. Prince William postponed his royal engagements to support his wife during her recovery. Consequently, Princess Kate had to postpone or cancel several of her own scheduled appearances and duties. She returned home to Windsor later in January to continue her recovery. A subsequent palace statement conveyed that she was “making good progress.”
However, the weeks following the surgery, before the cancer diagnosis was revealed, were filled with intense public speculation and the proliferation of rumors and conspiracy theories regarding the Princess of Wales’s wellbeing. The palace maintained privacy around the specifics of the abdominal surgery, which further fueled public curiosity and conjecture.
February 2024
Prince William unexpectedly withdrew from a memorial service for his godfather in February, citing a “personal matter.” This sudden cancellation heightened anxieties and speculation regarding the royal family and particularly Kate’s health. Kensington Palace later confirmed that Prince William’s absence was directly related to his wife’s then-undisclosed cancer diagnosis.
As February progressed, and with rumors intensifying, the palace issued another statement to address the mounting concerns about Kate’s health and whereabouts. The statement reiterated the planned recovery period and emphasized that her absence from public life was in line with medical advice and recovery expectations following her surgery.
March 2024
In March 2024, Princess Kate released a deeply personal video message revealing her cancer diagnosis. She explained that post-operative tests following her abdominal surgery had revealed the presence of cancer. The Princess confirmed she was in the “early stages” of preventative chemotherapy. Preventative, or adjuvant, chemotherapy is administered after initial treatments like surgery to lower the risk of cancer recurrence. Clinical studies support the effectiveness of chemotherapy in reducing cancer recurrence.
The Prince and Princess of Wales alongside their children, Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte, during the Trooping the Colour ceremony in June 2024.
Princess Kate did not specify the type of cancer she was diagnosed with. She shared that while the initial surgery was believed to be for a non-cancerous condition, subsequent tests indicated otherwise. The news of the cancer diagnosis came as a “huge shock” to Kate and Prince William. They chose to manage the situation privately to protect their young family. Princess Kate spoke about the time it took to recover from the major surgery before commencing treatment, and, crucially, the need to explain the situation to their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, in an age-appropriate and reassuring manner. In her video message, Princess Kate conveyed strength and reassurance, stating she was “well and getting stronger every day.” She respectfully requested “time, space and privacy” for herself and her family during her treatment period, expressing her focus on making a “full recovery.”
April 2024
Prince William returned to his royal duties in mid-April, gradually resuming public engagements while continuing to support his wife and family during this period.
May 2024
During a public appearance in mid-May, Prince William offered a brief but positive update on Princess Kate’s health. While visiting St. Mary’s Community Hospital, when asked about Kate, he responded, “She’s doing well, thanks,” according to hospital administrator Tracy Smith. This simple acknowledgment provided some reassurance to the public regarding her ongoing treatment and recovery. Towards the end of May, a senior palace aide indicated that Princess Kate had not yet returned to royal duties but was actively involved behind the scenes with her early childhood initiative. Despite her ongoing treatment, she remained engaged with her long-term projects. The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood released a report in May, which Princess Kate reviewed, demonstrating her continued commitment to her public work even while undergoing treatment.
June 2024
On June 14th, Princess Kate provided a more detailed update on her cancer treatment since her initial announcement in March. She communicated honestly that she was “not out of the woods yet” and still had “a few more months” of chemotherapy planned. In her personal statement, she described the realities of chemotherapy, noting, “I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.”
The following day, June 15th, marked a significant moment as Princess Kate made her first public appearance since her diagnosis at Trooping the Colour. This annual event celebrating the King’s birthday is a major royal occasion, and her presence was warmly received and seen as a symbol of her strength and resilience.
July 2024
Princess Kate made her second public appearance since her cancer diagnosis in July. She attended the Wimbledon men’s singles final on the fourteenth day of the tournament.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, attending the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in July 2024, marking her second public appearance since her cancer diagnosis.
Upon entering the Royal Box with her daughter, Princess Charlotte, she received a standing ovation, demonstrating the public’s continued support and admiration.
September 2024
In September 2024, Princess Kate announced the completion of her chemotherapy treatment. She shared her ongoing focus on staying “cancer free” and acknowledged that “my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.” Despite the ongoing recovery, she expressed optimism about returning to work and undertaking more public engagements in the coming months as her health permitted. The following week, she attended an official engagement at Windsor Castle focused on early years education in the UK, signaling her gradual return to public duties.
October 2024
Princess Kate made her first public appearance after announcing the completion of her chemotherapy in October 2024. She and Prince William visited Southport Community Centre and met with emergency responders and families affected by a local knife attack in Southport, England.
Princess Kate speaking with emergency service personnel during a visit to Southport Community Centre in October 2024, her first public appearance post-chemotherapy.
This engagement marked her increasing return to public life and engagement with community and national issues.
January 2025
In January 2025, Princess Kate shared the positive news that she is in remission from cancer. In an Instagram post celebrating her new role as joint patron of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust with Prince William, she provided this significant health update. While in remission, she noted she is still adjusting to a “new normal.” On the same day as the announcement, Princess Kate visited patients at The Royal Marsden, the London hospital where she received her cancer treatment. She publicly thanked the hospital staff for their exceptional care throughout the past year, sharing photos from her visit on social media. “I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year,” she wrote, expressing heartfelt gratitude to those who supported her and Prince William during her treatment. During her visit, Kate spoke about her chemotherapy experience, describing it as “really tough” and shared personal details about her treatment process.
What Type of Cancer Does Kate Middleton Have?
As of the latest updates, Princess Kate has not publicly disclosed the specific type of cancer she was diagnosed with. She has only stated that it was discovered following her abdominal surgery in January 2024. Medical experts have noted that cancers detected through abdominal surgery can vary widely, including gastrointestinal, gynecological, or urological cancers, among others. However, without further details from the palace, the specific type of cancer remains private.
Has Kate Returned to Her Royal Duties?
Yes, Princess Kate has officially returned to royal duties. Her first official engagement post-cancer diagnosis was in September 2024, focusing on early years education. In October 2024, she made her first public appearance after completing cancer treatment, meeting with families and emergency responders in Southport.
Prince William and Princess Kate meeting with emergency services personnel and community members in Southport in October 2024, marking her return to public duties following cancer treatment.
Prior to her return, a palace aide had indicated in May 2024 that Princess Kate would resume her royal work upon receiving clearance from her medical team, emphasizing the need for privacy and space for recovery. Her gradual return to public life has been carefully managed in coordination with her ongoing health and recovery.
