Catherine, Princess of Wales, announces she has cancer | CNN (2024)

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Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed Friday she has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the “early stages” of treatment.

The princess, known as Kate, described her diagnosis as a “huge shock” in a video statement released on social media. The news comes two months after she had temporarily stepped away from public life following what Kensington Palace said at the time was surgery for a non-cancerous abdominal condition.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” said Catherine, 42, who is married to the heir to the British throne, Prince William.

“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.”

Catherine, Princess of Wales, announces she has cancer | CNN (1)

Catherine, Princess of Wales during a Portage Session for her 'Shaping Us' campaign on early childhood, taken September 27, 2023 in Sittingbourne, England.

Kate continued that “William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

The princess added, “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 ok.”

The Princess of Wales will spend 10 to 14 days recovering from the planned surgery, Kensington Palace said. Daniel Leal/WPA Pool/Getty Images Related article Princess of Wales in hospital for up to two weeks after undergoing abdominal surgery

Kate said that she had told them she is “well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”

She praised Prince William for being by her side as “a great source of comfort and reassurance” as well as the support she has received from the public.

“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,” the princess said.

She ended her heartfelt message by saying that she was also keeping “all those whose lives have been affected by cancer” in her thoughts.

“For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone,” Kate concluded in the video statement, which was filmed by BBC Studios at Windsor on Wednesday.

CNN understands the Prince and Princess of Wales wanted to wait for their young children to be out of school for the Easter holidays before making the announcement.

Prince William has been balancing supporting his wife and children while continuing his public-facing duties and will continue to do so, a royal source told CNN.

The princess started preventative chemotherapy in late February, the source said, adding that Kate had been expected to return to official duties after Easter, however she will now postpone further work until she has been cleared to do so by her medical team.

Kensington Palace is not expected to reveal any further medical details such as the type of cancer or what stage it is.

Preventative chemotherapy is often used after surgery as an “adjuvant” therapy, to weaken the chances of cancer returning, Dr. Karen Knudsen, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society, told CNN.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, announces she has cancer | CNN (3)

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Dr. Gupta describes what stands out to him about Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis

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The news is a devastating blow for the British monarchy and comes asKing Charles III is currently undergoing treatmentfor an unspecified cancer, which was announced by Buckingham Palace in early February.

King Charles said he was “so proud” of Catherine, his daughter-in-law, for “her courage in speaking as she did” in sharing her cancer diagnosis, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said late Friday.

Charles said he “remained in the closest contact” with Kate since they received treatment at the same London hospital, and that he and Queen Camilla will “continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time.”

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Kate was admitted to The London Clinic, a private hospital in the city, on January 16 and successfully underwent a planned abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace said at the time. She remained in the hospital for 13 days following the procedure and, on doctor’s advice, had since been away from public duties during her recovery.

Kate was spotted in public for the first time since her surgery, visiting a farm shop with her husband Prince William last weekend, amid intense speculation about her health and whereabouts.

Since the announcement on Friday, well wishes have poured in for the princess.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex saidin a joint statement that they “wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement that the princess had “the love and support of the whole country,” adding that Kate had shown “tremendous bravery” and that she had been “unfairly treated” during weeks of “intense scrutiny” by the press and on social media. He added that his thoughts were with her and “in particular her three children.”

British opposition Labour party leader Keir Starmer also sent his “best wishes” to the princess, saying that the “lurid speculation” of recent weeks must have “added” to her stress.

Meanwhile, the White House said the update from the princess was “terrible” and that the administration was “incredibly sad to hear of the news.” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the administration’s thoughts were with the royal and her family “during this incredibly difficult time, and certainly we wish her a full recovery.”

Jean-Pierre stressed it was “important that we respect their privacy, especially at this time, so I’m not going to go further than that.”

CNN’s Benjamin Brown and Nikki Carvajal contributed reporting.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, announces she has cancer | CNN (2024)

FAQs

Is it true that Kate Middleton has cancer? ›

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non cancerous,” Kate, 42, said in the video statement released by Kensington Palace. “The surgery was successful, however, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.

What type of cancer does Kate have? ›

The type of cancer was not specified. The announcement was shared in a video message two months after Catherine had stepped away from official public appearances to recover from major abdominal surgery, which Kensington Palace said at the time had been noncancerous.

What type of cancer does Princess of Wales have? ›

"They aren't revealing what type of cancer it is." In an interview with TMZ, Dr. George Crawford, a surgeon who hasn't treated Princess Kate, speculated that Middleton may have one of two types of cancers: uterine cancer or ovarian cancer.

Does the princess have cancer? ›

The Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis: What we know. Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the “early stages” of treatment.

Did the royal family have cancer? ›

The double cancer blow to Kate and King Charles leaves Britain's royal family depleted and strained. The Princess of Wales said Friday that she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.

Does Prince William's wife have cancer? ›

London — Prince William made his first public appearance Thursday since his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, shared her cancer diagnosis last month.

What were your first signs of uterine cancer? ›

Uterine cancer signs and symptoms

Unusual vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of uterine cancer, particularly any bleeding after menopause. Other common symptoms may include: heavier than usual periods or a change in your periods. vaginal bleeding between periods.

Why is colon cancer on the rise? ›

Experts aren't sure why there's an increase in young adults getting colon and rectal cancer. Researchers are exploring factors such as diet, obesity, lack of exercise, tobacco and alcohol use as well as environmental impacts such as exposure to chemicals. Family history also plays a role.

How did Princess Margaret have cancer? ›

Princess Margaret faced a cancer scare in January 1985 after developing chest pain, which led to a section of one of her lungs being removed. Luckily, the sample wasn't malignant, and it was deemed that Margaret didn't have cancer, via The Telegraph.

When did Kate find out she had cancer? ›

March 22, 2024: Kate publicly reveals cancer diagnosis

The surgery was successful," Kate said. "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."

What type of cancer does Kate Middleton have in TMZ? ›

In an interview with TMZ, Dr. George Crawford, a surgeon who hasn't treated Princess Kate, speculated that Middleton may have one of two types of cancers: uterine cancer or ovarian cancer.

Who was the royal girl who died of cancer? ›

What happened to her? Leonora died from kidney cancer on October 22, 1991, per The Independent. She was actually diagnosed with the disease 14 months earlier after she felt sick during a vacation in Spain with other royals, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Scotland's The Herald reports.

What health problem does Princess Beatrice have? ›

Princess Beatrice's health struggle

The late Queen's granddaughter was identified as having dyslexia at the age of seven. She received specialist help and support from the Helen Arkell Centre throughout school and went on to become the charity's patron in 2013.

What kind of cancer requires abdominal surgery? ›

The majority of stomach cancers found by doctors today has progressed past the early stage. Because of this, almost all patients with stomach cancer will require some type of surgery to treat the disease — either a traditional open surgery or a minimally invasive surgery.

What is the survival rate for ovarian cancer? ›

For all types of ovarian cancer taken together, about 78% of those with ovarian cancer live for at least 1 year after diagnosis. More than 60% live for at least 3 years after being diagnosed, and over 50% of patients with ovarian cancer are still alive at least 5 years after diagnosis.

What is endometrial cancer? ›

Endometrial cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the endometrium. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus, a hollow, muscular organ in a woman's pelvis. The uterus is where a fetus grows. In most nonpregnant women, the uterus is about 3 inches long.

What is peritoneal cancer? ›

Peritoneal cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs within the pelvic or abdominal cavity. It is closely related to epithelial ovarian cancer, the most common type of ovarian cancer, which affects the ovaries, and fallopian tube cancer.

What is the uterine cancer survival rate? ›

What's the survival rate for people with uterine cancer? The five-year survival rate for endometrial cancer is 81%. That means 81% of people diagnosed with the disease are alive five years later. The rate is even higher when cancer hasn't spread outside your uterus.

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