The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton’s recent health disclosure came months after she was last seen in public on Christmas Day in 2023. The reason for the wait, and other details explained.
The public had just been made aware that Kate Middleton’s recent public absence has been due to her private battle with cancer. Why is she getting preventative chemotherapy, and what type of cancer was likely found?
On January 17, 2024, the first update on Kate’s whereabouts since Christmas was shared in a statement from Kensington Palace, disclosing she had undergone “planned abdominal surgery.”
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at ‘Our Greatest Team Rises -BOA Olympic Concert’ at the Royal Albert Hall on May 11, 2012, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
“The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter,”
Since Kensington Palace noted that they would only post updates when there is “significant new information to share,” the next one only came at the end of January 2024.
Why Did Kate Middleton Wait to Share Her Diagnosis?
Kate middleton’s message also hinted at the reason it took some time before her diagnosis was publically shared.
The news was a “huge shock” for Kate and William, and they have been keeping it private for the sake of their family.
“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’s appropriate for them and to reassure them that I’m going to be OK,” the Princess said
Towards the end of her message, Kate added “We hope that you’ll understand that as a family we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment.”
The Palace also reportedly issued a statement that echoed the reasons Kate gave in her video message.
“The Princess wanted to share this information when she and The Prince felt it was right for them as a family,” the statement
Sarah Hewson, a royal editor for Talk TV, also weighed in on the situation after seeing Kate’s message.
“This statement has some very clear messages. Where was Kate? Reeling from a shock diagnosis, putting all her energy into getting strong enough to start chemotherapy and, above all, protecting her children,” Hewson said
What Type of Cancer Does Kate Middleton Have?
Since the type of cancer the Princess was diagnosed with had not been specified, medical experts have ventured into narrowing down possibilities.
NBC medical contributor, Dr. Tara Narula reportedly said that Kate’s treatment which usually lasts from three to six months, is “typically used for breast, colon, ovarian, or lung cancer.”
As for side effects the Princess may experience, Dr. Narula said it could include “fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, bruising, infections.” Prolonged treatment could also result in fertility issues, cardiovascular complications, and various effects on her organs.
The treatment can be just as intense as what can be experienced with any chemotherapy agent, as Dr. Narula