Catherine, the Princess of Wales, revealed in a video on March 22 that she has been undergoing chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis.
Back in January, Kensington Palace announced that the former Kate Middleton had undergone abdominal surgery and was not anticipated to make any public appearances until after Easter. However, speculation surrounding her health and whereabouts intensified in the subsequent weeks, particularly escalating after the palace released a edited photo of the princess with her children.
Now, in a newly released video from Kensington Palace, she is addressing her condition publicly for the first time.
Global Response: Kate Middleton’s Cancer Announcement Sparks International Concern
"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was believed that my condition was noncancerous," she shares in the video.
"Although the surgery was deemed successful, subsequent tests revealed the presence of cancer," she discloses.
Kate expresses that this news came as a "tremendous shock," emphasizing that she and Prince William are committed to "handling this matter privately for the sake of our young family." Presently, she is undergoing a "regimen of preventative chemotherapy."
"This process has understandably taken time. I needed time to recuperate from major surgery before commencing my treatment," she acknowledges. "Moreover, it has been essential for us to carefully explain everything to George, Charlotte, and Louis in a manner suitable for their understanding, assuring them that I will be alright."
The princess reassures viewers in the video that she is "doing well and growing stronger with each passing day." Additionally, she appeals for "patience, space, and privacy" as she undergoes treatment.
Kate expresses her determination to achieve a "complete recovery," while also acknowledging and empathizing with those who are confronting cancer.
"To all those battling this illness, in any form, please maintain your faith and hope. You are not alone," she concludes.
What type of cancer does Kate Middleton have?
In her video statement, the princess did not specify the type of cancer she is undergoing treatment for. She revealed that it was detected subsequent to a major abdominal surgery she underwent in January.
Dr. Ben Ho Park, director of precision oncology at Vanderbilt School of Medicine, explains to YEPPOST.com that the most prevalent forms of cancer identified through abdominal surgery are gastrointestinal, such as colon or stomach cancers, or genital or urinary cancers. However, he emphasizes that "it could be anything."
What is preventative chemotherapy?
Kate mentioned in her video that her treatment involves "a course of preventative chemotherapy." While not a clinical term, Dr. Ben Ho Park suggests it likely refers to a treatment administered after initial interventions, such as surgery, aimed at preventing the recurrence of cancer.
"Even though the surgeons have removed everything they can visually detect, there might still be cancer cells circulating in the body that, if left untreated, could potentially resurface later on, becoming incurable," explains Park, who lacks specific details about Kate's condition.
Referring to results from clinical trials, Park indicates that chemotherapy administered after initial treatment can decrease the likelihood of cancer recurrence.
A timeline of Kate Middleton's condition
Kate's most recent public appearance was in December 2023 during the family's traditional Christmas outing in Sandringham. Her scheduled surgery occurred on January 16 and was reportedly "successful," as stated by the palace.
According to Kensington Palace's statement, it was anticipated that she would stay in the hospital for a period of ten to fourteen days before being discharged to continue her recuperation at home.
The palace refrained from disclosing the reason behind her surgery, asserting that it wasn't related to cancer. Representatives for the princess stated that only "significant" updates would be furnished, a stance reiterated by a spokesperson for Kate on February 29 amidst increasing speculation regarding her health.
On January 29, the palace confirmed in a statement that Kate had returned to Windsor to recuperate from the surgery at her residence.
"The princess is progressing well," stated the announcement.
Paparazzi first caught sight of the princess earlier this month, being driven by her mother near Windsor Castle. Subsequently, she was reportedly captured on video walking through a market with her husband, circulating online on March 18.
Kate made her initial public remarks in a post on X earlier this month for Mother's Day in the U.K., alongside a photo that was later retracted by news agencies due to suspected manipulation.
“Appreciating your kind wishes and ongoing support throughout the past two months,” the caption read, signed off with a "C." “Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.”
The editing controversy and the lack of information regarding her whereabouts spurred viral conspiracy theories concerning the princess and the royal family. The Mirror, a U.K. newspaper, reported this week that at least one staff member at the London Clinic allegedly attempted to access Kate's medical records.
“This matter falls within The London Clinic's jurisdiction," responded Kensington Palace to NBC News.
The London Clinic informed NBC News in a statement that they were “fully aware of our individual, professional, ethical, and legal obligations regarding patient confidentiality.”
“We take immense pride in the exceptional care and discretion we strive to provide for all our patients who entrust us every day,” the clinic stated. “We have robust systems in place to oversee the management of patient information, and in the event of any breach, all necessary investigative, regulatory, and disciplinary measures will be taken.
“There is zero tolerance at our institution for those who knowingly breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues.”
This year, Kate becomes the second member of the royal family to confront significant health challenges.
Buckingham Palace disclosed on February 5 that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer following a procedure for benign prostate enlargement. Although the palace didn't specify the type of cancer, it clarified that it wasn't prostate cancer.