LONDON — Catherine, Princess of Wales, has revealed she is battling cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. This announcement came in a heartfelt video message released on Friday, two months after she had undergone significant abdominal surgery. The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed, but she began her chemotherapy treatment in late February.
The news has prompted a wave of support for the Princess, who is also known as Kate Middleton. This revelation comes at a time when her father-in-law, King Charles, is also receiving treatment for cancer.
In the video, filmed at Windsor on Wednesday, Kate, 42, shared the emotional journey she and her family have been on. “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,” she said. “As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.”
The cancer was discovered during post-operative tests following her abdominal surgery in mid-January. Initially, her condition was thought to be non-cancerous. “The surgery was successful,” Kate said. “However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. 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.”
At the time of her surgery, Kensington Palace had stated that her condition was non-cancerous, and since then, there has been limited information about her health.
Kate also spoke about the challenge of explaining her condition to her children, George, Charlotte, and Louis. “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 said. “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.”
She expressed gratitude for her husband, William, the Prince of Wales, who has been a pillar of support. “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance,” she said.
Kate requested privacy for her family during this challenging time. “We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. 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 said. “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.”
King Charles has expressed his pride in Kate for her bravery in speaking out. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said, “The king and the Princess of Wales were both in the hospital at the same time in January. And in the last few weeks, the king has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla continue to offer their love and support to the entire family during this difficult period. Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, also extended their well-wishes, stating, “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Kate’s bravery and called for her privacy to be respected. “She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today,” he said. “When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also acknowledged the announcement, expressing support for Kate and her family during this challenging time.
The announcement follows reports that several staffers at the London Clinic, where Kate was admitted in January, are under investigation for allegedly trying to access her medical records. The UK’s independent regulator for Data Protection and Freedom of Information confirmed it had received a breach report and is assessing the situation.
This news comes weeks after Kate faced a photo editing controversy. She marked Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom by sharing a photo of herself with her three children. The image, the first official photo of Kate since December, was later retracted by several news agencies over concerns it had been digitally manipulated. Kate apologized for any confusion caused by the edited photo, stating, “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.”
Meanwhile, King Charles is also undergoing treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. His diagnosis was announced publicly by the palace in early February, following treatment for benign prostate enlargement. The type of treatment he is receiving has not been revealed, but the prime minister has stated that the king’s cancer was “caught early.”
As the royal family navigates these challenging times, they continue to receive an outpouring of support from the public and officials alike.
