Kate Middleton Says She's 'Getting Stronger Every Day' After Cancer Diagnosis
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Kate Middleton announced that she’s been diagnosed with cancer, but did not reveal the specific type, in a video message posted to Instagram and X on March 22.
Speculation about Kate Middleton's health reached a fever pitch in recent weeks after her "planned abdominal surgery” in January.
In the address, she thanked people for their support, before opening up about her diagnosis.
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024
The video was shot at Windsor on Wednesday, according to ABC 7 Chicago. In it, Kate can be seen wearing a striped sweater and jeans while sitting on a bench.
A lot of details of her cancer diagnosis are still unknown. However, the Princess of Wales shared some new information about what she’s been going through.
Meet the Expert: Jack Jacoub, M.D., a board certified medical oncologist and hematologist and medical director of MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.
Here’s everything to know so far.
Kate had major abdominal surgery on January 16th.
Kate revealed in her video that she had “major abdominal surgery in London” in January. “At the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous," she said. "The surgery was successful.”
Kate received abdominal surgery at The London Clinic, the largest independent, private hospital in the U.K., according to PEOPLE.
At the time, Kensington Palace shared an official statement on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram account that said she would "remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days, before returning home to continue her recovery."
What type of cancer does Kate have?
Kate did not specify the type of cancer that doctors discovered in her video address. “Tests after the operation found cancer had been present," she said. "My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy.”
In the video, she called the diagnosis "a huge shock."
"William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family," she said. "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 started chemotherapy in late February.
Kate said in her video that she’s “now in the early stages” of chemotherapy. A palace spokesperson told People that Kate began treatment in late February.
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells, per the Mayo Clinic. It's often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body.
Jack Jacoub, M.D., a board certified medical oncologist and hematologist and medical director of MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, says that chemotherapy can help to prevent a recurrence of cancer. After surgery, he says, "we assume there are cancer cells we didn't remove, and those cancer cells might come back.”
Prince William has been supporting her recovery.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance," Kate said. "As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both."
The Prince and Princess of Wales has been very careful about how they're talking about the diagnosis with their young children: “As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits."
Kate asked for privacy as she continues treatment. “We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment."
It’s unclear when Kate will return to her royal duties.
Though after her abdominal surgery, the Palace said Kate was “unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter” Kate did not clarify an exact return date in her address.
"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."
She ended on this note: “At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
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