Since stepping out of the public eye due to health challenges earlier this year, public interest in Princess Kate has grown, spiking in mid-March following her abdominal surgery and surrounding the announcement of her cancer diagnosis and treatment.
As the most popular member of the royal family in Britain, Kate's cancer news brought with it a wave of public support, including messages from world leaders and A-list celebrities.
When the time came in February for King Charles III to announce his cancer diagnosis, he did it through the traditional route of a statement worded by palace officials. Kate chose a different format, opting to speak directly to the public via a video recording and personally worded message.
Kate's cancer diagnosis, and treatment that has followed, has been a deeply personal journey which has seen her take communication about her progress into her own hands, with Kensington Palace maintaining that they will not provide a "running commentary" on her health.
Here, Newsweek looks at everything Kate has said about her cancer journey so far, in her own words.
Time, Space and Privacy
After making an appearance with the royal family on Christmas Day in 2023, Kate wasn't seen at official engagements in the first weeks of January, which caused concern among fans. On January 17, Kensington Palace announced that the princess had undergone "planned abdominal surgery" and would be out of the public eye until after Easter. This was accompanied by a briefing that her condition was not cancerous.
Between January and the end of March, concern for Kate was fueled by unfounded conspiracy theories, as well as criticism following an edited Mother's Day portrait and the publication of paparazzi photos of the royal with her mother in Windsor.
As speculation heightened, Kate released a public statement in both written and video form making the deeply personal revelation that, despite doctor's initial thoughts, she had been diagnosed and was receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.
In her message, Kate thanked fans for their support and explained that it had taken time to speak publicly about her health as, together with Prince William, she needed space to tell her children privately and to reassure them she would be all right.
No timeframe for her treatment was given, though the princess said she was in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy.
Though she added that she was looking forward to returning to her royal duties, she made a plea for time space and privacy while she focused her energy on getting better.
Statement from the Princess of Wales—March 22, 2024
"I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery. It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I've had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. 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.
"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. As you can imagine, this has taken time. 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 [her children] George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.
"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. 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. 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. 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."
A Positive Direction
Following the March 22 announcement, no further major update was given on Kate's health until June, where the princess released a second statement in her own words.
This announcement came one day before the royal family were set to gather en masse at Buckingham Palace for the annual Trooping the Colour celebrations. Though Kate's attendance was not confirmed in the weeks beforehand, speculation had circulated over whether she would make her first public appearance of the year for the event.
On June 14, fans received the positive news that Kate would attend the Trooping event with her family, and that while her treatment continued and she was not yet "out of the woods," she hoped to make more appearances through the summer.
Statement from the Princess of Wales—June 14, 2024
"I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.
"I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.
"My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.
"I'm looking forward to attending the King's Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.
"I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal. Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me."
What's Next?
Kate made her appearance at the Trooping the Colour celebrations, attending the military parade, taking part in the carriage processions and waving from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Though this was a positive step for the princess, there are no guarantees as to when she may next make a public appearance.
In her June 14 statement, the royal said: "I hope to join a few public engagements over the summer." However, Kensington Palace is not expected to announce these far in advance, allowing the princess to see how she feels on the day and upon taking advice from her medical team.
It is possible she will make an appearance during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships this month. The multi-day event has been a regular fixture in her summer diary since becoming a member of the royal family in 2011.
Though Kate hasn't confirmed her intention to attend, Wimbledon bosses have said they are "hopeful" she will feel well enough to present trophies to the men's and women's singles champions.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
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