The revelation of Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis sent shockwaves around the globe, adding another layer of concern within the royal family during a challenging period. For the Princess of Wales, the news was a “huge shock,” as it was for many who had been following the evolving narrative surrounding her health.
Princess Kate shared her diagnosis in a deeply personal video message released on March 22, 2024, putting an end to weeks of intense speculation and public debate regarding her well-being following a “planned abdominal surgery” in January.
In her address, the Princess explained, “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.” Subsequent tests conducted after the surgery, however, revealed the presence of cancer.
A comprehensive timeline detailing Kate Middleton’s abdominal surgery and subsequent cancer diagnosis became a focal point of public interest as people sought to understand the sequence of events.
Prior to her announcement, Princess Kate had largely retreated from public view, although she and Prince William were briefly seen by a member of the public while shopping in Windsor. In her video message, the Princess conveyed that she and William had been managing her health privately to protect their young family – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – and to find the right moment and manner to share the news with them.
“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful,” she expressed in her heartfelt video.
In a positive update in June 2024, Kate was photographed for the first time since her diagnosis, in a new image taken at her home. This was accompanied by a personal letter where she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support she had received.
“I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months,” she wrote. “It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.”
By the end of the summer, in September 2024, Princess Kate announced the completion of her chemotherapy treatment, marking a significant milestone in her journey to recovery.
From the unwavering support of Prince William and the royal family to the uncertainties surrounding her return to royal duties, here is a detailed overview of what we currently know about Princess Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Initial Misdiagnosis and Subsequent Cancer Discovery
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Kate Middleton arriving at HMP High Down in Sutton, England, on September 12, 2023.
When Princess Kate underwent what was described as “major abdominal surgery” in January 2024, medical professionals initially believed her condition to be non-cancerous. The surgery was performed at The London Clinic, where she remained for a substantial 13 days during the initial phase of her recovery. Upon her discharge, Kensington Palace released a statement indicating that she was “making good progress.”
“The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress,” Kensington Palace stated. “The Prince and Princess wish to convey their sincere gratitude to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the exceptional care they provided.”
Post-Surgery Tests Reveal Cancer
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Princess Kate Middleton during a visit to Nottingham Trent University on October 11, 2023, showcasing her commitment to mental health support systems.
Despite the abdominal surgery being deemed successful, subsequent post-operative tests revealed the unexpected news that “cancer had been present.” This diagnosis occurred around the same time as the announcement on February 5th that King Charles had also been diagnosed with cancer following treatment for a benign prostate enlargement.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual,” a palace statement detailed regarding King Charles’ situation.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were promptly informed about Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis. In her video message, Kate did not specify the type of cancer she was diagnosed with.
Following her public announcement, a Kensington Palace spokesperson stated, “We will not be sharing any further private medical information. The Princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do.”
Preventative Chemotherapy Underway
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Princess Kate Middleton attending the Shaping Us National Symposium at the Design Museum in London on November 15, 2023.
In light of the cancer diagnosis, Princess Kate’s medical team advised her to commence a course of preventative chemotherapy. “Tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” she confirmed in her video message.
However, Princess Kate did not provide details regarding when her treatment began or its anticipated duration, maintaining privacy around the specifics of her medical journey.
Protecting Their Children and Sharing the News
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Prince William, Princess Kate, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour, June 17, 2023.
Princess Kate emphasized the importance of taking time to process the diagnosis, which she described as a “huge shock,” and to carefully consider how to explain the situation to her three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Learn more about Prince William and Kate Middleton’s three children: George, Charlotte, and Louis.
“This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she explained. “As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.”
“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,” she added, highlighting their parental considerations.
It was speculated that the timing of Princess Kate’s announcement was strategic, coinciding with the children’s school break. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis attend Lambrook School, which was on a half-term break, providing the family with private time together following Princess Kate’s public disclosure.
Prince William’s Steadfast Support
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Prince William and Princess Kate on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023, demonstrating royal unity and support.
Following Princess Kate’s initial surgery in January, reports indicated that Prince William postponed some of his engagements to remain by her side. He was also photographed driving himself to visit Kate at the hospital the day after her surgery, underscoring his immediate concern and support.
Prince William has continued to be a pillar of strength for Princess Kate throughout her cancer treatment, a fact she acknowledged in her video message.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too,” she shared. “As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”
A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE that Prince William would continue to balance his official duties with supporting his wife and family throughout her treatment and recovery.
“The Prince will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year,” the spokesperson stated, highlighting his commitment to both royal responsibilities and family support.
In May 2024, Amaia Arrieta, a favored designer of the royals, expressed her concern for the couple in The Telegraph, noting they were “going through hell” as they navigated Kate’s diagnosis and treatment.
“I’m heartbroken at the moment. I think they are going through hell,” she said. “I hope they will be back. It’s really personal,” reflecting a sentiment of widespread sympathy and hope for the royal couple.
King Charles’s Pride and Support
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Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince William, and Princess Kate at Buckingham Palace, December 5, 2023, showcasing a united front within the royal family.
Despite undergoing treatment for his own cancer diagnosis, King Charles expressed that he was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did,” according to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson.
Both King Charles and Princess Kate were patients at The London Clinic in January, and the King has “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks,” the spokesperson added, illustrating the close bond and mutual support within the family.
He and Queen Camilla “will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time,” reinforcing their solidarity during this period.
Uncertain Timeline for Return to Royal Duties
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Princess Kate attending The Order of The Garter service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on June 13, 2022.
While Kensington Palace initially indicated that Princess Kate was expected to resume royal duties after Easter following her surgery, the timeline for her return remained uncertain following her cancer diagnosis and commencement of chemotherapy.
According to a palace spokesperson, the Princess’s official return to duties will be guided by the advice of her medical team as she continues her chemotherapy treatment and recovery.
“The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery,” the spokesperson told PEOPLE, emphasizing her health as the priority.
Although she had not yet returned to full royal duties, Kate was seen running errands in May 2024 and spending time with her family, according to sources. However, a return to work was contingent upon medical clearance.
In a welcomed announcement in June 2024, she confirmed her attendance at the annual Trooping the Colour event in honor of King Charles’ birthday. This event marked her first public appearance with the royal family since Christmas, signaling a gradual return to public life.
“I’m looking forward to attending the King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet,” she stated, managing expectations while expressing hope.
First Photo Since Diagnosis and Chemotherapy Completion
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Princess Kate photographed in Windsor in June 2024, sharing a personal update on her health journey. Image by Matt Porteous.
Three months after publicly announcing her cancer diagnosis, Princess Kate released the first new photograph of herself, taken outdoors near her Windsor home. The casual image, showing her in a blazer and jeans, arms folded, was accompanied by a personal letter providing an update on her progress.
“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,” she wrote, offering an honest glimpse into her experience.
Kate continued, “On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home,” indicating a gradual return to normalcy and engagement in activities she enjoys.
In a significant milestone announced in September 2024, Princess Kate shared that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment after several months.
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” Kate said in a video filmed near her family’s home in Norfolk in August 2024. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”
She further reflected that her cancer journey had reinforced the importance of “being grateful for the simple yet important things in life” for both her and Prince William, and expressed her anticipation for resuming public engagements and work.
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can,” she stated. “Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life,” concluding on a note of optimism and resilience as she embarks on the next phase of her recovery.
