When Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced her cancer diagnosis in early 2024, global attention turned to her health and recovery. While Buckingham Palace has maintained privacy regarding the specific type of cancer, Princess Kate has been forthcoming about her treatment journey and progress. This timeline details Princess Kate’s cancer journey, from initial abdominal surgery to her encouraging remission announcement, providing a comprehensive overview of what has been publicly shared.
A Timeline of Princess Kate’s Cancer Journey
December 2023
Princess Kate’s last public appearance before her health challenges began was at the royal family’s traditional Christmas church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. This appearance provided no indication of the health struggles to come in the following months.
January 2024
Kensington Palace announced that Princess Kate had undergone a planned abdominal surgery in mid-January. The palace initially stated the surgery was for a non-cancerous condition and that her recovery would require two to three months, causing her to postpone public engagements. Prince William also adjusted his schedule to support his wife’s recovery. She was discharged from the London Clinic after 13 days and returned home to Windsor to recuperate. The Palace maintained that she was making good progress, but speculation began to grow regarding the Princess’s health and the nature of her surgery.
February 2024
Prince William unexpectedly withdrew from a memorial service for his godfather, citing a “personal matter.” This further fueled public concern and speculation. Kensington Palace later clarified that his absence was related to Princess Kate’s health situation, though at this point, her cancer diagnosis was not yet public. As rumors intensified, the Palace issued another statement reiterating that Princess Kate’s absence from public duties was expected as she continued her recovery from surgery.
March 2024
In a significant video message released in March 2024, Princess Kate bravely revealed her cancer diagnosis to the world. She explained that while her abdominal surgery was initially believed to be for a non-cancerous condition, post-operative tests revealed the presence of cancer. As a result, she began a course of preventative chemotherapy. Princess Kate did not specify the type of cancer, emphasizing the need for privacy for her young family during this challenging time. She shared that informing her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, in an age-appropriate manner was a priority. Despite the shock of the diagnosis, Princess Kate conveyed a message of strength and hope, stating she was “well and getting stronger every day” and focused on a full recovery. She requested “time, space and privacy” throughout her treatment.
April 2024
Prince William resumed his royal duties in mid-April, signaling a gradual return to normalcy for the royal family amidst Princess Kate’s ongoing treatment.
May 2024
During a public appearance in mid-May, Prince William offered a brief but positive update on Princess Kate’s health, stating “She’s doing well, thanks,” in response to inquiries. Despite remaining out of the public eye, it was reported that Princess Kate was actively engaged with her early childhood initiatives, reviewing reports and staying connected with her philanthropic work behind the scenes.
June 2024
Princess Kate provided a more detailed update on her cancer treatment in June, acknowledging that she was “not out of the woods yet” and still undergoing chemotherapy for “a few more months.” She described the chemotherapy journey with its “good days and bad days,” highlighting the importance of listening to her body and resting when needed. However, she also expressed her intention to participate in the Trooping the Colour ceremony, marking her first public appearance since her diagnosis announcement.
On June 15th, Princess Kate made a welcomed public return at Trooping the Colour, joining the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Alt text: The Prince and Princess of Wales alongside Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis wave from the Buckingham Palace balcony during the Trooping the Colour ceremony, marking Princess Kate’s first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis.
July 2024
Princess Kate made her second public appearance since her diagnosis at the Wimbledon men’s singles final in July. Her presence in the Royal Box with Princess Charlotte was met with a warm standing ovation, demonstrating the public’s continued support and admiration.
Alt text: Catherine, Princess of Wales, attends the Wimbledon men’s final in July 2024, receiving a standing ovation in her second public appearance since announcing her cancer treatment.
September 2024
In September, Princess Kate shared encouraging news, announcing that she had completed chemotherapy. She emphasized that her focus was now on “staying cancer free” and acknowledged that her “path to healing and full recovery is long.” Looking ahead, she expressed anticipation about returning to public work engagements in the coming months as her health allowed. The following week, she undertook an official engagement at Windsor Castle focusing on early years education, marking her return to royal duties.
October 2024
Princess Kate made her first public appearance after finishing chemotherapy in October, visiting Southport Community Centre with Prince William. They met with emergency responders and families affected by a local knife attack, demonstrating her commitment to her royal duties even during her recovery.
Alt text: Princess Catherine engages with emergency service personnel during a visit to Southport Community Centre in October 2024, marking her first public appearance after completing cancer treatment.
January 2025
In January 2025, Princess Kate announced she was in remission from cancer, a significant milestone in her health journey. Sharing the news alongside the announcement of her new role as joint patron of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust with Prince William, she acknowledged the ongoing process of adjusting to a “new normal.” During a visit to The Royal Marsden, where she received treatment, Princess Kate expressed gratitude to the medical staff for their exceptional care and support throughout the past year. She described chemotherapy as “really tough” and shared personal insights into her treatment experience, highlighting the importance of a positive mindset.
What Kind of Cancer Does Princess Kate Have?
Despite widespread interest, the specific type of cancer Princess Kate was diagnosed with has not been publicly disclosed. The Palace has maintained privacy around this detail, and Princess Kate herself has not shared further information beyond it being discovered after her abdominal surgery.
Medical experts have noted that cancers detected following abdominal surgery could include various types, particularly gastrointestinal, gynecological, or urological cancers. However, without specific details from the Palace, it remains speculative, and it is crucial to respect the Princess’s and the royal family’s request for privacy regarding this personal health matter.
Princess Kate’s Return to Royal Duties
Princess Kate has gradually returned to public royal duties, starting with her engagement in September 2024 focusing on early childhood education and followed by public appearances in October 2024 and January 2025. While she is in remission and engaging in public life, it is understood that her return to a full schedule of royal duties will be gradual and guided by her ongoing health and recovery.
Alt text: Prince William and Princess Catherine at Southport Community Centre in October 2024, meeting with emergency responders and families in Princess Kate’s first public engagement after cancer treatment.
Princess Kate’s journey has been marked by both personal challenge and public strength. Her openness about her diagnosis and treatment, while maintaining privacy around the specific type of cancer, has resonated with many and drawn widespread support and admiration. As she continues her recovery and gradually returns to public life, her health journey remains a source of inspiration and public interest.
