In March 2024, Catherine, Princess of Wales, affectionately known as Kate Middleton, shared news that resonated around the globe: she had been diagnosed with cancer. This announcement followed weeks of public speculation regarding her health and well-being, which intensified after she underwent abdominal surgery in January. The revelation of her diagnosis marked a significant moment, transforming public curiosity into an outpouring of support for the Princess as she began her journey through treatment.
This timeline details the events leading up to and following Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis, offering a comprehensive look at her health journey:
December 25, 2023: Last Public Appearance Before Diagnosis
Princess Kate was last seen in public on Christmas Day 2023, joining the Royal Family for their traditional Christmas morning church service at Sandringham. She appeared in good spirits, interacting with the public alongside Prince William and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Princess Kate and Prince William with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, depart from Christmas service, marking Princess Kate’s last public appearance before her health challenges were revealed.
Dressed in blue, Princess Kate was observed smiling and engaging with onlookers as she walked hand-in-hand with Prince William and their children at the royal estate in Norfolk, England. This appearance offered no indication of the health battles she was soon to face.
January 16, 2024: Admission to London Hospital
Just weeks after her Christmas appearance, on January 16, 2024, Princess Kate was admitted to The London Clinic. The following day, Kensington Palace released a statement to the public regarding her hospitalization.
January 17, 2024: ‘Successful’ Abdominal Surgery Announced
Kensington Palace announced on January 17, 2024, that Princess Kate had undergone “planned abdominal surgery” the previous day. The palace described the surgery as “successful” and indicated that she was expected to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days to recover before returning home. While no specific details about the surgery were disclosed, it was confirmed to ABC News that the condition was non-cancerous at that time. The announcement also mentioned that Princess Kate would likely postpone public duties until after Easter to focus on her recovery.
The Palace statement conveyed Princess Kate’s understanding of public interest but emphasized her desire for privacy regarding her medical information to maintain normalcy for her children. She also expressed apologies for needing to postpone upcoming engagements and her anticipation of resuming duties as soon as possible.
January 18, 2024: Prince William Visits Hospital
The day after the surgery announcement, Prince William was photographed leaving The London Clinic. It was presumed he had visited Princess Kate privately as she recovered.
Prince William departs from The London Clinic after visiting Princess Kate post-surgery, demonstrating his support during her initial recovery period.
It was reported that their children did not visit Princess Kate in the hospital during her stay, respecting her need for rest and recovery.
January 29, 2024: Discharge from Hospital and Return Home
On January 29, 2024, Kensington Palace announced Princess Kate’s discharge from The London Clinic. She returned to Windsor to continue her recovery at home. The palace stated she was making “good progress” and expressed gratitude to the medical staff at The London Clinic for their exceptional care. The Wales family also conveyed their appreciation for the global well-wishes they had received.
February 7, 2024: Prince William Resumes Public Duties and Comments on Kate’s Health
Prince William returned to public duties on February 7, 2024, marking his first engagements since Princess Kate’s surgery. He conducted an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, standing in for King Charles III, who was also facing health issues at the time.
Later that evening, Prince William attended a fundraising gala for London’s Air Ambulance Charity with Tom Cruise. During the event, he publicly acknowledged the support received for both Princess Kate and King Charles.
Prince William and Tom Cruise at a charity gala, where Prince William publicly thanked supporters for their kind messages to Princess Kate and King Charles during their health concerns.
He expressed gratitude for the “kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father” and lightened the tone with a joke about the recent “medical focus” of events.
February 18, 2024: Prince William Attends BAFTA Awards Solo
Prince William attended the 2024 BAFTA Awards on February 18th alone. This event is typically attended by both Prince William and Princess Kate, making her absence noticeable.
Prince William attends the BAFTA Awards red carpet solo, highlighting Princess Kate’s continued absence from public life as she recovered from surgery.
As president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Prince William fulfilled his duties but without Princess Kate by his side, further fueling public interest in her health status.
February 27, 2024: Prince William Misses Engagement Due to ‘Personal Matter’
Speculation about Princess Kate’s health intensified when Prince William withdrew from a royal engagement on February 27th due to what Kensington Palace described as a “personal matter.” He was scheduled to attend a memorial service for his godfather, King Constantine of Greece, but had to cancel his appearance. The palace clarified that the “personal matter” was unrelated to King Charles’s health, but did not provide further details, leading to increased public concern and online speculation.
February 29, 2024: Palace Update Amid Speculation
Amidst growing online rumors, a palace spokesperson issued an update on February 29th, stating that Princess Kate was “doing well” in her recovery. The spokesperson dismissed the online speculation, reiterating that Kensington Palace would only provide significant updates on Princess Kate’s recovery, adhering to the timeline shared in January.
Princess Kate at a Diplomatic Corps reception in December 2023, pictured before her surgery and subsequent health challenges, as the Palace addressed rising public speculation regarding her well-being.
This was the first official comment from the palace about Princess Kate since her hospital discharge in late January, aiming to reassure the public while maintaining her privacy.
March 4, 2024: First Photograph Since Surgery
Princess Kate was photographed for the first time since December on March 4th, riding in a car driven by her mother in Windsor. The photograph, though not officially released by Kensington Palace, surfaced in the media, offering the first visual confirmation of Princess Kate since her surgery.
March 6, 2024: Palace Responds to Online Speculation
As speculation continued, Kensington Palace issued a brief statement to People magazine on March 6th regarding Prince William’s focus. The spokesperson stated that Prince William’s “focus is on his work and not on social media,” as the online discourse around Princess Kate’s health escalated.
March 10, 2024: Mother’s Day Photo and Editing Controversy
On March 10th, UK Mother’s Day, Princess Kate shared a photo on social media of herself with her three children. This was the first official photo released since December and was intended to thank the public for their support. However, the photo was soon retracted by major news agencies, including The Associated Press, Reuters, Getty Images, and Agence France-Presse, due to concerns about digital manipulation.
Comparison of the Mother’s Day photo released by Kensington Palace alongside an analysis highlighting inconsistencies, leading to its retraction by news agencies due to suspected manipulation.
Analysis of the photo revealed evidence of editing, leading to widespread media coverage and further public discussion about Princess Kate’s situation.
March 11, 2024: Public Apology for Edited Photo
Princess Kate issued a public apology on March 11th, acknowledging that she had edited the Mother’s Day photo. In a statement on social media, she admitted to “experimenting with editing” as an “amateur photographer” and apologized for any “confusion” caused by the altered photograph. Kensington Palace confirmed that the original, unedited photo would not be re-released. Later that day, Princess Kate was photographed in a car with Prince William as he attended public engagements, still without commenting directly on the photo controversy.
March 14, 2024: News Agency Declares Kensington Palace Not a Trusted Source
The photo editing controversy led to significant repercussions. On March 14th, Agence France-Presse (AFP) declared that Kensington Palace was no longer considered a trusted source. Phil Chetwynd, AFP’s global news director, stated that the manipulation of the Mother’s Day photo had violated their guidelines, causing them to issue a “kill notice” for the image and prompting a review of their validation processes for content from trusted sources.
March 16, 2024: Spotted at Farm Shop with Prince William
Amidst the ongoing controversy and speculation, Princess Kate was seen with Prince William at a farm shop near their Windsor home on March 16th. Eyewitnesses described her as “happy, relaxed and healthy,” according to The Sun newspaper.
March 19, 2024: Editing Notice on Second Royal Family Photo
The scrutiny of royal photos intensified when Getty Images added an editor’s note on March 19th to a photo taken by Princess Kate in 2022 of the late Queen Elizabeth II with her great-grandchildren. The note stated that the photo “has been digitally enhanced at source.” This second editing notice further eroded public trust and raised more questions about the transparency of information from Kensington Palace.
Getty Images editor’s note on Princess Kate’s photo of Queen Elizabeth II and her great-grandchildren, indicating digital enhancement, adding to concerns about image manipulation from royal sources.
March 20, 2024: Hospital Staffers Investigated for Record Access
On March 20th, reports emerged that staff at The London Clinic were under investigation for attempting to access Princess Kate’s private medical records. The Information Commissioner’s Office confirmed receiving a breach report and was assessing the situation. The CEO of The London Clinic, Al Russell, stated that they had systems to monitor patient information and would take disciplinary action against anyone breaching patient trust. Kensington Palace declined to comment, deferring to The London Clinic.
Police presence outside The London Clinic, reflecting the heightened security and privacy concerns surrounding Princess Kate’s medical treatment and reports of attempted breaches of her medical records.
March 22, 2024: Public Cancer Diagnosis Announcement
In a video statement released on March 22, 2024, Princess Kate bravely announced to the world that she had been diagnosed with cancer. She explained that post-operative tests following her abdominal surgery revealed the presence of cancer, despite initial beliefs that her condition was non-cancerous. She confirmed she had begun a course of preventative chemotherapy as advised by her medical team.
Princess Kate’s video message to the public, where she announced her cancer diagnosis and the commencement of preventative chemotherapy, addressing global concerns and speculations.
Princess Kate described the diagnosis as a “huge shock” and spoke about the challenges of managing this privately for the sake of her young family. She asked for privacy and time as she completed her treatment.
March 23, 2024: Royal Family ‘Enormously Touched’ by Well Wishes
Following Princess Kate’s announcement, Kensington Palace shared that she and Prince William were “enormously touched” by the outpouring of support from the public, the Commonwealth, and globally. They expressed gratitude for the messages of warmth and understanding of their need for privacy during this time. Messages of support came from family members, celebrities, world leaders, including President Joe Biden, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
March 31, 2024: Absence from Easter Service
Princess Kate, Prince William, and their children were absent from the annual Easter Mattins Service on March 31st. This was expected, given Princess Kate’s recent cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment, and marked a departure from their usual public appearances at significant royal events.
April 18, 2024: Prince William Returns to Work and Receives Well-Wishes
Prince William returned to public work on April 18th, visiting a nonprofit organization in Surrey. He received cards and well-wishes for Princess Kate and King Charles from volunteers, expressing his gratitude for their kindness.
April 29, 2024: 13th Wedding Anniversary
On April 29th, Prince William and Princess Kate celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary. They shared a previously unseen photo from their wedding day on social media, marking the occasion privately, away from public engagements.
June 5, 2024: Prince William Shares Update on Kate’s Progress
While attending a D-Day anniversary event on June 5th, Prince William provided a brief update on Princess Kate’s health. When asked by a veteran if she was “getting any better,” Prince William responded, “Yes,” and added, “She would’ve loved to be here today.”
June 14, 2024: Kate Shares Health Update and Appearance at Trooping the Colour
Princess Kate released a personal written message on June 14th, providing a more detailed update on her health. She shared that she was “making good progress” but was “not out of the woods yet.” She described the chemotherapy journey as having “good days and bad days” and mentioned she was starting to do a little work from home when feeling well enough.
Princess Kate’s photo released with her June 2024 health update, reassuring the public of her progress while undergoing chemotherapy and expressing gratitude for their support.
Alongside her message, Princess Kate announced her planned attendance at Trooping the Colour on June 15th, marking her first public appearance since her diagnosis announcement.
June 15, 2024: Kate Attends Trooping the Colour
Princess Kate made a significant public appearance at Trooping the Colour on June 15th. She joined the Royal Family for the celebrations, riding in a carriage with her children and appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Princess Kate at Trooping the Colour, her first public appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis, joining the Royal Family in celebration and showing her resilience.
Her presence at the event was widely celebrated as a positive sign of her progress and resilience.
Princess Kate with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, during the Trooping the Colour parade, marking a heartwarming family moment amidst her ongoing treatment.
The Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour, with Princess Kate joining senior members, showcasing unity and support during her health journey.
July 15, 2024: Wimbledon Men’s Final Appearance
Princess Kate attended the Wimbledon men’s final on July 15th with Princess Charlotte and her sister, Pippa Middleton Matthews. She received a standing ovation upon arrival, demonstrating the public’s continued support and admiration.
Princess Kate at Wimbledon with Princess Charlotte and Pippa Middleton, receiving a standing ovation, highlighting public support during her cancer treatment and return to select public duties.
As a patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, she presented the championship trophies after the match, marking another step in her gradual return to public life.
August 25, 2024: Sunday Service at Balmoral
Princess Kate joined Prince William and other royal family members at Crathie Kirk church near Balmoral Estate on August 25th. This appearance indicated her continued participation in family life and royal traditions during her treatment period.
September 9, 2024: Completion of Chemotherapy and Path to Recovery
In a video message on September 9th, Princess Kate announced the completion of her chemotherapy treatment. She described the past months as “incredibly tough” but expressed relief at reaching this milestone. She emphasized that staying “cancer free” was her focus and that her path to full recovery was ongoing. Princess Kate also shared her anticipation of gradually returning to work and undertaking more public engagements in the coming months.
Princess Kate’s photos released with her September message announcing the completion of chemotherapy, conveying hope and determination as she focuses on recovery and a gradual return to public duties.
October 2, 2024: Hugs Fellow Cancer Sufferer at Windsor Castle
Princess Kate was photographed hugging a teenage cancer patient, Liz, at Windsor Castle on October 2nd. This engagement marked her first royal duty where photographers were present since her diagnosis, showcasing her empathy and support for others facing similar health challenges.
October 10, 2024: First Public Engagement Since Diagnosis Announcement
On October 10th, Princess Kate undertook her first official public engagement since announcing her cancer diagnosis, joining Prince William in Southport, England. They visited a community center to meet with first responders and mental health professionals supporting the community after a local tragedy.
Princess Kate’s first public engagement post-diagnosis announcement in Southport, demonstrating her commitment to royal duties and community support amidst her health recovery.
This engagement signaled her gradual return to royal duties and public life.
December 6, 2024: Hosts Annual Christmas Carol Service
Princess Kate hosted her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 6th. This significant event marked a major return to the public spotlight nearly a year after her abdominal surgery.
Princess Kate hosting the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service, a significant public return, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to royal traditions despite her health journey.
She was joined by her family at the service, which focused on themes of love and empathy.
The Wales family at the Christmas Carol Service, showcasing unity and festive spirit, as Princess Kate led the royal tradition in a major public appearance.
December 25, 2024: Christmas Morning Service Attendance
Continuing the tradition, Princess Kate attended the Christmas morning service at Sandringham on December 25th with the Royal Family. This marked a year since her last public appearance before her health challenges became known and signified her return to familiar royal duties.
Princess Kate and the Wales family attending Christmas service at Sandringham, a year after her last public appearance before her health journey began, marking a comforting return to tradition.
January 15, 2025: Cancer in Remission Announcement
In a message shared on social media on January 15, 2025, Princess Kate announced that her cancer was in remission. She conveyed her relief and ongoing focus on recovery, acknowledging the time needed to adjust to a “new normal” after a cancer diagnosis. Princess Kate expressed optimism for the year ahead and her anticipation of a fulfilling future. Her update followed a surprise visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital, where she had received treatment.
Princess Kate visiting The Royal Marsden Hospital post-remission announcement, showing her engagement with the hospital where she received treatment and her commitment to supporting others.
Princess Kate interacting with patients at The Royal Marsden Hospital, demonstrating empathy and connection with those undergoing similar health challenges, shortly after announcing her cancer remission.
During her visit, she met with staff and patients, offering words of support and understanding, particularly to those undergoing chemotherapy.
Princess Kate’s journey from initial abdominal surgery to a cancer diagnosis and subsequent remission has been marked by challenges, public scrutiny, and ultimately, resilience. Her openness in sharing her experience has not only informed the public but also offered inspiration and hope to many facing similar health battles. Her continued recovery and gradual return to public life are keenly anticipated by supporters worldwide.
