It has been a year of major medical developments for the British royals. Not only was the 75-year-old King Charles III diagnosed with cancer early in 2024, but so was his 42-year-old daughter-in-law, Princess Kate.
The royal mother of three, stepped out of the public eye in January to undergo abdominal surgery which was later linked to a cancer diagnosis, necessitating a course of "preventive chemotherapy."
During this time, Kate has remained mainly behind palace walls, making positive progress, but still undergoing the challenging treatment.
Here, Newsweek takes a look at Kate's cancer journey so far, six months after her chemotherapy treatment began.
Surgery
After a two-week period with no news or sightings of Kate into the new year, on January 17, a statement from Kensington Palace announced that the princess had been admitted to The London Clinic a day earlier for "planned abdominal surgery."
The palace said that the surgery was "successful," but noted that she would not be expected to return to public life until after Easter.
At the time, the palace did not reveal the reason for the surgery, but briefed that Kate's condition was "non-cancerous."
Announcement
After Kate returned home to Windsor following her surgery, Kensington Palace declined to provide a running commentary on her recovery, which led to a spike in speculation and conspiracy theories.
On March 22, this noise was silenced when Kate issued a video statement explaining her condition in her own words.
She announced that though doctors had previously stated her condition was "non-cancerous," following her surgery, cancer had been detected and she was recommended a course of "preventive chemotherapy."
She also noted that it had taken time to make the announcement because she and Prince William had wanted to break the news to their three children,Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in their own time.
Kate stated that though she was keen to return to her royal work, she accepted that she needed to focus on her health and recovery for the time being and asked for space and privacy in which to do so.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed at the time that the princess began her chemotherapy treatment in "late February," but would not comment on when it was expected to end.
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 preventive 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."
Good Days and Bad Days
Another update on Kate's health was not provided until mid-June, nearly four months into her treatment.
Again given in Kate's own words, she thanked the public for their continued support during such a difficult time and said she was making "good progress," though admitted there were still "good days and bad days."
"My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months," she said, while going on to add that as she began to feel better she hoped to undertake some public appearances over the summer and more work from home.
The first event she would attend, she announced, would be the Trooping the Colour celebrations for Charles' official birthday the following day.
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."
First Engagement
Kate made her first official public appearance since her cancer diagnosis at the Trooping the Colour celebrations in London wearing a striking black-and-white outfit designed by Jenny Packham.
The royal took part in a covered carriage procession from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade where the family watched military maneuvers before returning to the palace for the traditional balcony appearance.
Standing Ovation
Kate made her second public appearance a month after Trooping the Colour when she attended the men's singles final match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with her daughter Charlotte, as well as her sister, Pippa Matthews.
The princess is patron of the club which hosts Wimbledon each year and she is a passionate tennis fan. Appearing in a striking purple dress, Kate received a standing ovation and loud cheers as she entered the royal box for the match.
Summer Vacation
In a positive sign for the princess' recovery, she was photographed attending a Sunday church service with William in Scotland on August 25.
The Wales family make an annual trip to Scotland to stay with Charles for the August national holiday weekend, something Queen Elizabeth II hosted during her reign.
Kate was photographed next to William in the car on their drive to church, wearing a country hat with a feathered accessory.
What's Next?
No new updates have been provided about Kate's treatment or recovery since her statement in June.
Traditionally the royal family return to their rounds of public engagements in September after their summer break. No engagements for Kate have so far been announced.
Any future appearances are unlikely to be made public until closer to their taking place, upon the advice of the royal's doctors.
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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