British Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, announced on Friday that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy after tests conducted following major abdominal surgery in January revealed she has cancer. Kate (42 years old), the wife of the heir to the throne Prince William, spent two weeks in the hospital in January after undergoing what her office described at the time as successful surgery for a non-cancerous, unspecified condition.
However, Kate said in a recorded message that subsequent tests revealed she has cancer, but she is in good health and getting stronger. In a video recorded on Wednesday, Kate stated, “My medical team advised me to undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I am currently in the early stages of this treatment.”
In her statement, she added, “Of course, this was a big shock, and William and I have done everything we can to handle this privately for our small family.” King Charles also announced in February that he was undergoing cancer treatment, which led him to postpone his official duties. Kensington Palace stated that no further details about Kate’s cancer would be provided. It added that the princess is on the road to recovery and that the preventative chemotherapy started in February. Following Kate’s surgery, the palace stated she would not return to her official duties until after Easter, but her absence from public life sparked intense speculation on social media.
Kate and her husband William wanted some privacy until their children, Prince George (10 years old), Princess Charlotte (eight years old), and Prince Louis (five years old), started their school holiday on Friday. Kate said, “I took some time to recover from major surgery before starting my treatment. But more importantly, it took time to explain everything to George, Charlotte, and Louis in a way that was suitable for them, and to reassure them that I will be fine.” She added that she told them she is fine and is getting stronger each day by focusing on things that will help her recover, mentally, physically, and in spirit.
Kate has not appeared at any public event since attending the Christmas service with other members of the royal family. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished her a “full and speedy recovery,” expressing sympathy for the princess, her husband William, the heir to the throne, and their three children during this difficult time. He stated in a press release, “The Princess of Wales is loved and supported by the entire country as she continues her recovery,” adding that she showed “enormous courage” in her recent statement. Sunak acknowledged Kate’s “huge shock” upon discovering her cancer diagnosis after successful abdominal surgery in January but noted she is “fine and improving every day.” He also mentioned that Kate has been “subject to intense scrutiny and unfairly treated by certain media outlets around the world and on social media” since her surgery. Sunak emphasized the importance of giving her privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her family, concluding with well wishes for her complete and speedy recovery and looking forward to seeing her resume activities when ready.
