Inside Kate Middleton's cancer battle - Health updates to Princess of Wales' emotional video
The Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer in March 2024Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, recently announced she was in remission following her cancer diagnosis in a moving health update.
The royal spent much of 2024 undergoing treatment as she took a step back from her royal duties. But after completing her chemotherapy treatment, Kate Middleton said in September 2024 that it had been an “incredibly tough” time for her and her family.
So when was Kate Middleton’s cancer announced and what’s the latest update on the Princess of Wales’ health? Let’s take a look.
Kate Middleton announced she had cancer in heart-warming update video
Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in a personal video message on March 22, 2024.
It came weeks after she underwent abdominal surgery in January.
Before Kate Middleton’s cancer was announced, there was much concern for the royal as there wasn’t an update after she hadn’t been seen in public since Christmas Day 2023.
Many conspiracy theories circulated online, sparking much discussion over Kate’s whereabouts. However, in March, Kate released a video message in which she shared her health news.
Princess was ‘grateful’ for the health professionals who took care of her
In the video, Kate said: “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.”
She continued: “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.”
Kate added: “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.
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“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 George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them. And to reassure them that I am going to be okay.
“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 concluded: “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.”
How royals reacted to Kate’s cancer news
King Charles – who announced his cancer diagnosis in February 2024 – said he was “so proud” of Kate for having the “courage” to share her diagnosis.
The palace also confirmed he was in the “closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law”.
Kate’s brother-in-law Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle shared a statement at the time.
They said: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
Princess of Wales’ public appearances in 2024
Despite taking a step back from work, Kate still attended some royal events over the year.
In June 2024, she attended Trooping the Colour – the king’s official birthday parade. It was her first major appearance since announcing her diagnosis.
Royal fans were thrilled to see her out with husband Prince William and their three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
In July, the Princess of Wales attended the men’s singles final at Wimbledon alongside daughter Charlotte.
Kate announces end of cancer treatment
The Prince and Princess of Wales then enjoyed their summer break. They reportedly spent time at Anner Hall in Norfolk as well as Balmoral in Scotland with their children.
At the start of September 2024, Kate then announced that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment.
Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus.
She shared a heartwarming family video from the summer break. She said: “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”
Kate Middleton went on to talk about the little things she is thankful for in the health update. She said: “This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.”
A couple of months after the news, Prince William admitted that 2024 had been a “dreadful” year. While speaking to reporters during his trip to South Africa, the Prince of Wales praised his wife as “amazing”.
Read more: Princess Kate ‘forever changed’ after having ‘wake-up call’ amid cancer ordeal
The latest update on Kate Middleton’s health after cancer remission
In January 2025, Princess Kate announced the joyful news that she was in remission. In a personal statement on social media, she said: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.
“I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
She also praised hospital staff who looked after her: “My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.
“We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”
Slowly, Kate is returning to her royal duties.
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