Kate Middleton diagnosed with cancer, undergoing chemotherapy in heartbreaking health update
Kate Middleton has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment, the Princess of Wales revealed in a bombshell announcement Friday.
The 42-year-old royal learned of her diagnosis after undergoing “major abdominal surgery” in January at the London Clinic.
“The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” a gaunt Kate said in a heartbreaking videotaped statement.
“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.”
“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,” the mother of three added.
“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.”
The princess did not reveal what type of cancer she is battling, but insisted she is “well and getting stronger every day.”
The latest on Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis:
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- Kate Middleton diagnosed with cancer, undergoing chemotherapy in heartbreaking health update
She described her husband, Prince William, as a “great source of comfort and reassurance.”
News of her shocking diagnosis shuts down rampant speculation that has been swirling for weeks about the Princess of Wales’ health after the details of her surgery were initially kept shrouded in secrecy.
At the time, Kensington Palace had only disclosed that the operation was a success and that the royal had spent two weeks at the hospital recuperating.
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate,” the Jan. 17 memo said. “She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible.”
In her absence from public life, several conspiracy theories quickly took root — and only intensified after Kate posted a heavily edited UK Mother’s Day image that received a “kill notice” from major press agencies.
Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis: Everything we know so far
- Kate Middleton revealed she’s been diagnosed with cancer in a bombshell announcement in March
- The royal is undergoing chemotherapy, and will not return to official palace duties until she is cleared by her doctor.
- Middleton had waited to reveal the news of her cancer until her children were off from school for Easter break.
- The announcement came after weeks of speculation and baseless conspiracy theories surrounding the royal.
- The princess had also been facing controversy regarding a scandal involving “digitally altered” photos of her family.
- Middleton recently underwent abdominal surgery.
A torrent of headlines followed, culminating in the emergence of a video showing Kate and Prince William strolling together near a farmers’ market an hour from their home in Windsor this week.
“Kate looked happy and relaxed,” said onlooker Nelson Silva, who captured the footage. “They look happy just to be able to go to a shop and mingle. Kate looked relieved like it was a success going to a shop. It felt natural.”
But even that spurred a wave of wild and unfounded speculation — including some who thought Kate was using a body double.
In her Friday statement, Kate thanked the public for their “love, support and kindness” — but called for privacy as she continues her battle.
“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” she said.
“My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.”
Kate’s gut-punch diagnosis comes just months after her father-in-law, King Charles, revealed that he too is battling cancer.
Following the princess’ announcement, a Buckingham Palace rep said the king was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.”
After both being released from hospital, the King Charles “has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks,” the spokesperson added.
The princess was flooded with other well wishes in the wake of her diagnosis being made public.
“My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales, the Royal Family and in particular her three children at this difficult time,” British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, adding that she has shown “tremendous bravery.”
“The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, too, addressed the news during a press briefing Friday afternoon, saying: “Our thoughts are with the Duchess of Cambridge and her family members and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
“And certainly we wish her a full recovery. And I think it’s important that we respect their privacy, especially at this time,” she added.
