Update: Since this post has been published, Kensington Palace shared an update on Kate’s potential return to her royal duties. “The princess is not expected to return to work,” the rep said in a May 21 statement to BBC, “until it’s cleared by her medical team.” However, Kate will be keeping an eye on her organization, Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which she founded in 2021. The spokesperson noted to the U.K. outlet, “Early childhood will continue to be central to her public work.” Her foundation aims to drive awareness and action on the transformative impact of a kids’ early years.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, revealed in a bombshell announcement that she’s been diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. The 42-year-old learned of her diagnosis after undergoing “major abdominal surgery” back in January at the London Clinic. She said in a videotaped statement, “The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.”
She added, “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 princess didn’t share what type of cancer she’s battling. Speaking from a bench surrounded by daffodils and spring blossom, she said, “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 continued, “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. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance, too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.” News of her diagnosis follows weeks of rampant speculation 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 recuperating at the hospital. “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. At the time of her abdominal surgery in January, Kensington Palace said that it was non-cancerous. They have confirmed again that this is the case and that no tests had confirmed the presence of cancer. However, post-operative tests subsequently found that cancer “had been present.”
This announcement will send shockwaves around the world and came after weeks of speculation and wild conspiracy theories about her health. It also creates a fresh crisis for the British Royal Family at a time when King Charles is also battling cancer. In January, Sarah, the Duchess of York, was diagnosed with skin cancer just six months after being treated for breast cancer. The princess is now on what has been described as a “recovery pathway,” having commenced a course of chemotherapy in late February.
Even amidst her anguish, there was a message for fellow cancer sufferers, saying, “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.” Please keep the Princess of Wales and her family in your prayers.