Before telling the world that she had cancer, the Princess of Wales made sure that her closest friends and family members were aware of the news.
The following was part of a video message that Catherine posted on Friday, two months after she was admitted to The London Clinic for planned abdominal surgery: “It has been an extremely 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.”
Photo: © Samir Hussein
“I had major abdominal surgery in January in London, and the diagnosis was initially ruled out as cancer. The procedure went well. On the other hand, postoperative tests revealed the presence of cancer. As a result, my medical team recommended that I start a preventative chemotherapy course, which I am currently doing.”
She continued by highlighting how the family—Prince William, who has continued to make most of his royal appearances aside from King Constantine’s memorial service—and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—have been privately processing the news.
Catherine and William took some time to process the news together before sitting down with their children to explain the situation, especially in light of the royal’s hospital stay in January, in an effort to maintain a sense of normalcy and reassure them. Catherine wrote in her message that she and William talked about “what is appropriate” to share with their small family.
“For the benefit of our small family, William and I have been doing everything in our power to process and handle this privately. It has taken some time, as you can imagine. In order to begin my treatment, I had to take some time to heal from a major surgery. Above all, though, it has taken some time for us to reassure George, Charlotte, and Louis that everything will be alright and to explain everything to them in a way that suits them.”
Photo: © Max Mumby/Indigo
“As I have stated to them, by concentrating on the things that will support my recovery—in my mind, body, and spirit—I am well and growing stronger every day.”
“Having William by my side also gives me a lot of assurance and comfort. As is the affection, encouragement, and kindness so many of you have shown. It is really important to both of us. As a family, we now require some time, space, and privacy while I finish my treatment, and we hope that you will understand.”
Princess Catherine last appeared in public for Christmas in 2023. She has not disclosed what kind of cancer she has and will not disclose it. She has avoided the spotlight for the whole of 2024. As she has been recuperating at home, rumors regarding her health have been circulating, and they peaked after her Mother’s Day photo was altered using Photoshop.
A representative for Kensington Palace dismissed rumors on social media, stating: “We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant.”
The couple’s silence on the subject was probably kept partly for the sake of their kids, as the Princess of Wales hinted at in her message. Like all parents, they wanted her children to know about Catherine’s condition and her treatment plan before they had to deal with inquiries or remarks from classmates or other friends.
Photo: © Getty Images
This comes after the royal family received a number of heartbreaking cancer diagnoses. Six months after receiving treatment for breast cancer, Sarah Ferguson revealed in January that she had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer. While he was receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate, King Charles’ medical team discovered cancer in February. Since then, they have confirmed that the cancer is not prostate cancer.
“During the King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” the palace said in a statement. A type of cancer has been identified by further diagnostic testing.
“Today, His Majesty began a regimen of routine medical treatments. Physicians have advised him to delay engagements with the public during this time. His Majesty will carry out routine official paperwork and State business during this time.”
The press release continued: “The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
