Princess Catherine announces cancer diagnosis, treatment

Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer and has commenced early stages of chemotherapy treatment, following a successful abdominal surgery in January. The princess, widely known as Kate, made a heartfelt plea for “time, space, and privacy” as she navigates through her treatment journey.

In a video statement filmed on Wednesday at Windsor, the 42-year-old princess expressed the shock of discovering the cancer after what was initially thought to be a non-cancerous condition. She described the past few months as “incredibly tough” for herself and her family.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” Kate shared. “The surgery was successful. However, tests afterward revealed the presence of cancer.”

Kate further explained, “My medical team advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak commended Kate for her courage in making the statement, assuring her of “the love and support of the whole country” during her recovery. The White House also sent a message of support to the princess.

Kate, a central figure in the royal family, married Prince William, 41, the heir to the throne, in 2011. The couple shares three children—Prince George, aged 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis.

The princess shared that explaining the situation to their children took time, but she and William have reassured them of her well-being. “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 spirit,” Kate added.

William and Kate, along with their young family, represent the modern face of the ancient institution and are seen as key to its future.

Kate was last seen at a public engagement on December 25, attending a Christmas Day church service with her father-in-law, King Charles III, and other senior royals.

Following her successful abdominal surgery in January, Kate’s Kensington Palace office had announced her expected recuperation period. She was not anticipated to resume public duties until after Easter on March 31.

There had been previous speculation about Kate’s health and whereabouts, particularly online, given her absence from public view. Rumors grew after she released a Mother’s Day photograph on March 11, which was later found to have been digitally altered.

Recent images published by British media showed the princess walking with William at a farmers’ market near their home in Windsor, west of London, signaling her gradual return to public visibility.

This week, concerns were raised over potential unauthorized access to Kate’s confidential medical records, prompting a referral to the UK’s data protection watchdog.

As Princess Catherine embarks on her treatment journey, messages of support and well-wishes continue to pour in for her swift recovery and return to health.