The revelation of Catherine, Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnosis in 2024 sparked global concern and a wave of speculation regarding her health. Following the initial shock, Princess Catherine has courageously shared updates on her journey, confirming the completion of her preventative chemotherapy treatment and her encouraging remission status. After a necessary pause to prioritize her health, she has also resumed her public royal duties, signaling a positive turn in her recovery.
Understandably, the public has been keenly interested in the specifics of the Princess’s cancer, particularly as it was discovered incidentally during abdominal surgery. However, in line with their commitment to privacy regarding health matters, Buckingham Palace has chosen not to disclose the exact type of cancer.
Despite this understandable privacy, Princess Catherine has adopted a commendable approach of providing regular updates on her treatment and overall health. Her initial announcement of the cancer diagnosis came in March 2024, accompanied by the news that she would commence a course of chemotherapy. This was followed by an update in June, where she confirmed she was still undergoing chemotherapy while also making her first public appearance in months at Trooping the Colour.
In a heartwarming announcement in September 2024, the Princess shared the positive news that she had finished chemotherapy and used the encouraging phrase “cancer free,” reflecting the hopeful outcome of her treatment. This was further solidified in January 2025 when she officially announced she was in remission, a moment of immense relief and hope for her and the royal family.
In her own words, shared via Instagram, Princess Catherine conveyed her feelings: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. C.”
To provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of the Princess’s journey, we present a detailed timeline of Catherine Middleton’s cancer experience, encompassing every health update shared by both her and Buckingham Palace.
A Detailed Timeline of Catherine Middleton’s Cancer Journey
December 2023
Prior to the unfolding health challenges, the last public appearance of the Princess was a cherished family tradition. In late December 2023, Princess Catherine joined the royal family for their annual Christmas church outing at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Sandringham. This appearance, a regular fixture in the royal calendar, took place near one of the King’s Sandringham estates and offered no indication of the health struggles that lay ahead, showcasing a picture of festive normalcy before the private health concerns emerged.
January 2024
The year began with an official announcement from Kensington Palace regarding the Princess’s health. In mid-January 2024, the palace revealed that Catherine had undergone a “planned abdominal surgery.” The surgery took place at the London Clinic, a well-regarded private hospital. Following the procedure, she remained in the hospital for 13 days. The initial statement conveyed that the surgery was planned, seemingly routine, and successful in its immediate execution.
At the time of the announcement, the palace indicated a significant recuperation period for the Princess. It was stated that Catherine would need to recover for two to three months following her surgery, explicitly before the subsequent cancer diagnosis was known. Consequently, Prince William, her husband, adjusted his schedule and postponed public appearances to support his wife during her recovery. Numerous engagements for Princess Catherine were also either cancelled or postponed to accommodate her need for rest and recuperation.
Later in January, after her 13-day hospital stay, Catherine returned to her home in Windsor to continue her recovery in a familiar and comfortable environment. A subsequent palace statement confirmed her return home and added a reassuring note, stating, “She is making good progress.” This update aimed to alleviate public concerns and reinforce the initial narrative of a planned surgery with a positive recovery trajectory.
However, the weeks following the surgery, before the public revelation of the cancer diagnosis, were marked by escalating speculation, unfounded rumors, and various conspiracy theories surrounding the wellbeing of the future Queen. The lack of detailed information fueled public curiosity and led to a proliferation of often inaccurate and sensationalized narratives online and in the media.
To this day, Buckingham Palace has maintained its privacy and has not publicly disclosed the specific medical reason for the initial abdominal surgery. This lack of transparency, while respecting patient confidentiality, inadvertently contributed to the environment of speculation that preceded the cancer diagnosis announcement.
February 2024
February saw Prince William unexpectedly withdraw from a significant royal event. He pulled out of attending his godfather’s memorial service citing a vague “personal matter.” Initially, the reason for his absence was not explicitly linked to Princess Catherine’s health, adding to the growing unease and conjecture. It was later confirmed by Kensington Palace that the Prince’s withdrawal was directly related to his wife’s cancer diagnosis, a fact that was not yet public knowledge.
As February progressed, the volume of rumors and questions regarding Catherine’s health and whereabouts intensified. In response to the mounting public speculation, the palace issued another statement regarding her recovery. This statement aimed to manage expectations and offered a degree of explanation for her continued absence from the public eye, emphasizing that her withdrawal from public duties should not be seen as unexpected given her ongoing recovery from surgery.
March 2024
March 2024 marked a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative. In a deeply personal and courageous video statement, released in March, the Princess of Wales publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis. She shared that post-operative tests following her abdominal surgery had revealed the presence of cancer and that she had begun “early stages” of preventative chemotherapy. Preventative chemotherapy, also known as adjuvant chemotherapy, is administered after initial treatments like surgery to minimize the risk of cancer recurrence. Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of chemotherapy in significantly reducing the likelihood of cancer returning.
Significantly, Princess Catherine, while being open about her diagnosis and treatment, chose not to disclose the specific type of cancer she was diagnosed with. This decision to maintain privacy regarding the exact nature of her illness is consistent with royal protocols regarding personal health matters.
The diagnosis itself was an unexpected and significant development following what was initially believed to be a successful abdominal surgery. “At the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous,” she explained in the video, highlighting the unforeseen nature of the cancer discovery. “The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.” This revelation underscored the sometimes-unpredictable nature of medical diagnoses and the importance of post-operative analysis.
Princess Catherine openly described the news of her cancer diagnosis as a “huge shock,” a sentiment that resonated deeply with many viewers. She further explained that she and Prince William had made the decision to “manage this privately for the sake of our young family.” This prioritization of her children’s well-being during such a challenging time was widely admired.
The Princess of Wales and her family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in June 2024. The image represents Princess Catherine’s commitment to her royal duties and family amidst her cancer journey.
She elaborated on the reasons behind the delayed public announcement, saying, “As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment,” and poignantly added, “But, most importantly, 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.” This emphasized the careful and sensitive approach taken to inform their children and shield them from unnecessary anxiety.
In her video message, the Princess offered a message of resilience and hope, assuring viewers that she is “well and getting stronger every day.” She concluded her statement with a heartfelt request for “time, space and privacy” as she continued her treatment, reiterating her focus on making a “full recovery.”
April 2024
Following a period dedicated to supporting his wife and family after the cancer diagnosis announcement, Prince William returned to his royal duties in mid-April. His resumption of public engagements signaled a degree of stability and a return to a more regular pattern of royal activities, while still maintaining a balance with his family’s needs.
May 2024
In May, during a public appearance, Prince William offered a brief but reassuring update on Catherine’s health. While visiting St. Mary’s Community Hospital in the U.K. in mid-May, he was asked about the Princess.
Hospital administrator Tracy Smith, who spoke with Prince William, shared with reporters, “[He] said, ‘She’s doing well, thanks,’” according to the Associated Press. This simple yet direct update provided a degree of reassurance to the public regarding the Princess’s condition.
Towards the end of May, a senior palace aide provided further insight, clarifying that while the Princess had not yet returned to public royal duties, she remained actively engaged with her ongoing work, particularly an initiative focused on early childhood development in the U.K. This indicated that even while undergoing treatment, Princess Catherine was maintaining her commitment to her royal responsibilities behind the scenes.
The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood released a significant report earlier in May, and it was confirmed that the Princess had taken the time to thoroughly review it, according to a palace spokesperson. This demonstrated her continued dedication to her key areas of focus, even during her period of treatment and recovery.
June 2024
June brought a more detailed and personal update from Princess Catherine herself. On June 14th, she released her first personal remarks regarding her cancer treatment since her initial diagnosis announcement in March. In this update, she candidly shared that she was “not out of the woods” in terms of her treatment and acknowledged that she still had “a few more months” of chemotherapy remaining.
She provided an honest and relatable description of the chemotherapy experience, saying, “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,” Read her full remarks. This offered a realistic and humanizing perspective on the challenges of cancer treatment.
Just a day later, on June 15th, Princess Catherine made a welcome return to the public eye. She made her first public appearance since her diagnosis at Trooping the Colour, the annual grand ceremony celebrating the King’s birthday. Her presence at this significant royal event was widely celebrated and seen as a positive sign in her recovery journey.
Princess Catherine attends Wimbledon in July 2024, marking her second public appearance since her cancer diagnosis. This image emphasizes her resilience and gradual return to public life.
July 2024
Building on her return to public engagements, Princess Catherine made her second public appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis in July. She attended the men’s singles final on the 14th day of Wimbledon.
She received a warm and heartfelt standing ovation as she entered the Royal Box alongside her daughter, Princess Charlotte. This public reception underscored the widespread support and affection for the Princess and her family during this challenging period.
September 2024
September brought incredibly encouraging news regarding the Princess’s treatment. She publicly revealed that she had completed her course of chemotherapy.
In her statement, she expressed cautious optimism: “Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.” This highlighted that while a significant milestone had been reached, the journey to full health was ongoing.
She also conveyed her anticipation for resuming her royal duties, adding, “I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can,” signaling her intention to gradually return to a more active public role.
In the week following this positive update, she undertook an official engagement at Windsor Castle, focusing on her long-standing commitment to early years education in the U.K. This engagement marked her first official duty since completing chemotherapy and demonstrated her dedication to her public work.
October 2024
October saw Princess Catherine make her first public appearance since announcing the completion of her cancer treatment. She and Prince William together visited Southport Community Centre and met with emergency responders and the families of victims of a tragic knife attack that occurred in July in Southport, England.
Princess Catherine engages with emergency service members in Southport in October 2024, her first public appearance after finishing chemotherapy. This photo represents her return to public duties and engagement with community issues.
January 2025
January 2025 brought the most uplifting news yet in Catherine’s health journey. She publicly announced that she was 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 on January 14th, the Princess shared this incredibly positive update about her health. The Royal Marsden is a renowned hospital specializing in cancer treatment and research, making her patronage particularly meaningful given her personal experience.
While celebrating this significant milestone, she also acknowledged the ongoing process of adjustment, writing that she was still adjusting to “a new normal.” This realistic perspective resonated with many who understood that recovery from cancer is a long-term journey.
On the same day as her remission announcement, Catherine visited patients at the Royal Marsden, the very London hospital where she had received her cancer treatment. She shared photos from this visit on social media, expressing her heartfelt gratitude to the hospital staff for their exceptional care.
“I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year,” Catherine wrote, adding, “My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”
During her visit to the Royal Marsden, Princess Catherine openly shared some details about her cancer treatment experience. According to the U.K. news agency PA, she described chemotherapy as “really tough.” She also mentioned that her treatment was administered through a port, a device implanted under the skin, to which she admitted she had become somewhat attached. She humorously recounted hesitating when it was time to have the port removed, highlighting the personal and sometimes unexpected aspects of cancer treatment.
Reflecting on the advice she received before starting treatment, she revealed that those around her had urged her to “please keep a positive mindset,” adding that she found this positive approach made “such a difference” to her experience.
Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, warmly welcomed Princess Catherine as their new patron. In a statement, she said, “we are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage — it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families.”
What Type of Cancer Does Catherine, Princess of Wales, Have?
As previously mentioned, Princess Catherine has chosen to maintain privacy regarding the specific type of cancer she was diagnosed with. She has publicly shared that the cancer was discovered during tests conducted after her abdominal surgery in January.
Medical experts have noted that the most common types of cancer detected through abdominal surgery are those affecting the gastrointestinal system, such as colon or stomach cancer, as well as cancers of the genital or urinary systems. Dr. Ben Ho Park, director of precision oncology at Vanderbilt School of Medicine, in a previous interview with TODAY.com, emphasized this point but also wisely cautioned that “it could be anything,” underscoring the wide range of possibilities and respecting patient confidentiality.
Has Catherine Returned to Her Royal Duties?
Yes, Princess Catherine has indeed returned to her royal duties, gradually increasing her public engagements as her health and recovery progress. Her first official engagement following her cancer diagnosis took place in mid-September 2024, when she participated in a meeting focused on early years education in the U.K., a topic of significant importance to her.
Prince William and Princess Catherine meeting with emergency responders in Southport, October 2024. This image represents their joint commitment to public service and support for communities.
Subsequently, in mid-October 2024, she made her first public appearance after completing her cancer treatment. On this occasion, she met with the parents of children tragically killed in a knife attack in northwest England. Photographs from this event captured her and Prince William engaging in heartfelt conversations with emergency responders, demonstrating their continued support for affected communities and their dedication to public service even amidst personal health challenges.
Earlier, in late May, a senior palace aide had told NBC News, emphasizing the focus on her well-being: “(Catherine) will return to work when she has the green light from her doctors. She needs her space and the privacy to recover right now.” This statement highlighted the careful and health-led approach to her return to public duties, prioritizing her recovery above all else.
