The Reason behind Kate Middleton’s Delay in Revealing Her Health News

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?

News about Kate's Surgery Shared

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.”

“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,” the statement read.

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.

Update on Kate's Condition after Surgery

The palace’s social media shared an update on January 29, 2024, stating that the Princess of Wales is grateful for the support she’s received and “making good progress” in her recovery.

"The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress. The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided."

The update concluded with words of appreciation, "The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world."

The next announcement came from Kate herself, and while it gave some clarity, unanswered aspects of her current condition remain speculation, although experts offered their insights.

Kate’s Health Announcement

On March 22, 2024, a recorded video message from the Princess of Wales was shared, giving insight into her long absence from the public.

In addition to thanking everyone for their well wishes, Kate shared that she and her family have had an “incredibly tough couple of months” after she underwent major abdominal surgery.

“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’m now in the early stages of that treatment,” the Princess of Wales said.

While the Princess looks forward to returning to her public duties alongside Prince William, she is focused on healing and making a full recovery for now.

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 read.

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 elaborated:

"This is not a walk in the park. When we say the term preventive, it sounds light and fluffy, but she may be going through a lot this time."

According to the director of precision oncology at Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Dr. Ben Ho Park, the types of cancers most commonly discovered during abdominal surgery are genital, gastrointestinal, and urinary. But he admits it “could be anything.”

To understand the potential implications of Kate's treatment, medical experts offer insights into what 'preventive chemotherapy' entails and the types of cancer it might address.

What Is Preventive Chemotherapy?

Dr. Ben Ho Park also clarified the term “preventive chemotherapy” Kate used in her video message.

While it’s not actually a clinical term, it refers to adjuvant chemotherapy, which is “a treatment conducted after an initial treatment, like surgery, to prevent cancer from coming back.”

How they decide who receives this kind of treatment is based on factors like the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s age.

“Even though the surgeons have removed everything they can see, there could still be cancer cells floating around in the body that, if left untreated, may come back later (and) is then incurable,” he added.

Dr. Park thinks that Kate’s treatment is “trying to maximize” on ones already received to eliminate every cancer cell.

Is It Unusual to Find Cancer after Surgery?

According to a surgeon at the City of Hope cancer center in Southern California, Dr. Yuman Fong, finding cancer after surgery for a noncancerous problem is so rare it only occurs in about 4% of relevant cases.

“That 4% figure represents someone who’s going to the operating room for what is thought to be benign disease” such as a procedure to remove the gallbladder or ovarian cysts, Fong said.

King Charles Reacted to Her Diagnosis

With some details about Kate’s health issues now public, her father-in-law, King Charles, also recently diagnosed with cancer, reportedly issued a statement applauding the way she is handling the situation.

“His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.’ Following their time in hospital together, His Majesty has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks, royal editor Rebecca English shared on social media.

Princess Kate Spreads Hope 'Speaking as She Did'

At the end of the Princess of Wales’ video message, she encouraged other cancer patients with words of support.

“For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone,” she said.

A host of the “News Agents” podcast, Emily Maitlis, noticed Kate surrounded by flowers that appear to be daffodils, which symbolize hope for people affected by cancer, and is certain that the news would have a profound impact on those who have had to share difficult news with their young children.

Royal editor, Sarah Hewson, poignantly surmised the Princess’s message as she commended her for “speaking as she did,” as she noted,

“Even in her darkest hour, she managed to issue a message of hope and support to others.”

Even though the British Royals now deal with more than one member fighting cancer, the Princess of Wales stands out as a beacon of hope and grace.

News of King Charles' cancer diagnosis was shared early in February 2024, as we previously reported.

King Charles is confronting a new health challenge, following a recent procedure for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that the 75-year-old monarch has been diagnosed with cancer.

During the procedure for benign prostate enlargement, doctors discovered a separate issue of concern. Subsequent tests have confirmed a form of cancer, according to a palace statement.

His Majesty has begun a regular treatment schedule and has been advised to postpone public-facing duties. He will, however, continue to handle State business and official paperwork as usual.

The King expressed his gratitude towards his medical team for their prompt intervention, made possible by his recent hospital visit. He remains optimistic about his treatment and aims to return to full public duties soon.

King Charles has chosen to publicize his diagnosis to prevent speculation and hopes it will help increase public understanding of cancer. The monarch is determined to assist others worldwide affected by the disease.

The public has rallied on social media to express support and wishes for King Charles following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis. Comments like "Get well soon your Majesty, prayers for your recovery" underscore the concern and hope for the monarch's swift recuperation.

Voices from around the world are reaching out, with one user stating, "My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family." This sentiment reflects the global community's solidarity with the British royal family during this time.