logo
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales / Getty Images
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales / Getty Images

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

Odette Odendaal
Mar 26, 2024
10:35 A.M.

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.

Advertisement
Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives at the Shaping Us National Symposium at the Design Museum on November 15, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives at the Shaping Us National Symposium at the Design Museum on November 15, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

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?

Prince William and Princess Kate attend a ceremonial welcome for The President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea at Horse Guards Parade on November 21, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince William and Princess Kate attend a ceremonial welcome for The President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea at Horse Guards Parade on November 21, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

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.”

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

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,” the statement read.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visits the 'D-Day: Interception, Intelligence, Invasion' exhibition at Bletchley Park on May 14, 2019, in Bletchley, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visits the 'D-Day: Interception, Intelligence, Invasion' exhibition at Bletchley Park on May 14, 2019, in Bletchley, England | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend The "Together At Christmas" Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 08, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend The "Together At Christmas" Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 08, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

"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."

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales attends The Royal Variety Performance 2023 at Royal Albert Hall on November 30, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales attends The Royal Variety Performance 2023 at Royal Albert Hall on November 30, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Catherine, Princess of Wales during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 12, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 12, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

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.

UK newspapers cover Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales' recent announcement of her cancer diagnosis, on March 24, 2024, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

UK newspapers cover Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales' recent announcement of her cancer diagnosis, on March 24, 2024, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

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.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge clap for NHS carers on April 23, 2020, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge clap for NHS carers on April 23, 2020, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

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.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023, in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023, in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

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.

Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales attend a SportsAid mental fitness workshop at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre to mark World Mental Health Day on October 12, 2023, in Marlow, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales attend a SportsAid mental fitness workshop at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre to mark World Mental Health Day on October 12, 2023, in Marlow, England | Source: Getty Images

"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.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, visits Outfit Moray, an award-winning charity delivering life-changing outdoor learning and adventure activity programmes to young people on November 02, 2023, in Moray, Scotland | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales, visits Outfit Moray, an award-winning charity delivering life-changing outdoor learning and adventure activity programmes to young people on November 02, 2023, in Moray, Scotland | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

“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.

Catherine, Princess of Wales meets group members in the Arnos Arms during a visit to "Dadvengers" on November 1, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales meets group members in the Arnos Arms during a visit to "Dadvengers" on November 1, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

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.

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits Nottingham Trent University on October 11, 2023, in Nottingham, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits Nottingham Trent University on October 11, 2023, in Nottingham, England | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

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.

Catherine, Princess of Wales plays netball as she visits a mental fitness workshop run by SportsAid at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre on October 12, 2023, in Marlow, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales plays netball as she visits a mental fitness workshop run by SportsAid at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre on October 12, 2023, in Marlow, England | Source: Getty Images

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."

Advertisement
Catherine, Princess of Wales during a Rugby League Inclusivity Day at Allam Sports Centre on October 5, 2023, in Hull, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales during a Rugby League Inclusivity Day at Allam Sports Centre on October 5, 2023, in Hull, England | Source: Getty Images

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.

Catherine, Princess of Wales holds a bouquet of flowers and wears a Ukrainian ribbon during her visit to Vsi Razom Community Hub, in the Lexicon Shopping Centre, on October 04, 2023, in Bracknell, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales holds a bouquet of flowers and wears a Ukrainian ribbon during her visit to Vsi Razom Community Hub, in the Lexicon Shopping Centre, on October 04, 2023, in Bracknell, England | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

What Is Preventive Chemotherapy?

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

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits the Grange Pavilion as they celebrate the beginning of Black History Month on October 03, 2023, in Cardiff, Wales | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits the Grange Pavilion as they celebrate the beginning of Black History Month on October 03, 2023, in Cardiff, Wales | Source: Getty Images

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.

Catherine, Princess of Wales during a Portage Session for her 'Shaping Us' campaign on early childhood on September 27, 2023, in Sittingbourne, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales during a Portage Session for her 'Shaping Us' campaign on early childhood on September 27, 2023, in Sittingbourne, England | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

“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.

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits Standfast & Barracks printworks on September 26, 2023, in Lancaster, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits Standfast & Barracks printworks on September 26, 2023, in Lancaster, England | Source: Getty Images

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.

Advertisement
Catherine, Princess Of Wales during her visit to Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton on September 18, 2023, in Yeovil, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess Of Wales during her visit to Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton on September 18, 2023, in Yeovil, England | Source: Getty Images

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.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend the "No Time To Die" World Premiere at Royal Albert Hall on September 28, 2021, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend the "No Time To Die" World Premiere at Royal Albert Hall on September 28, 2021, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

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

Catherine, Princess of Wales attends a service to commemorate the life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at St Davids Cathedral on September 8, 2023, in St Davids, Wales | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales attends a service to commemorate the life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at St Davids Cathedral on September 8, 2023, in St Davids, Wales | Source: Getty Images

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.

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits HMP High Down on September 12, 2023, in Sutton, England | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits HMP High Down on September 12, 2023, in Sutton, England | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

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.”

Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales , Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince George of Wales on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales , Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince George of Wales on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

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 at Barnard Castle on February 15, 2018 in Durham, England Source: Getty Images

King Charles at Barnard Castle on February 15, 2018 in Durham, England Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

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.

King Charles III inspects the 200th Sovereign's parade at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on April 14, 2023 in Camberley, England Source: Getty Images

King Charles III inspects the 200th Sovereign's parade at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on April 14, 2023 in Camberley, England Source: Getty Images

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

King Charles III at Windsor Castle, on December 13, 2022 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images

King Charles III at Windsor Castle, on December 13, 2022 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images

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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Princess Catherine Supported a Little Girl through Her Cancer Journey — Child Returns the Kindness after Princess’ Diagnosis Is Revealed

March 25, 2024

Why Princess Catherine Felt it Necessary to Announce Cancer News Without Prince William

April 01, 2024

Princess Catherine Reveals Cancer Diagnosis: Video

March 22, 2024

Public Seriously Concerned about Princess Catherine's Condition after Queen Camilla's Charity Appearance

February 12, 2024

King Charles & Queen Camilla Arrive at Breathtaking Estate Surrounded by Nature to Celebrate 19th Anniversary

April 11, 2024

Public Seriously Concerned about Princess Catherine's Condition after Queen Camilla's Charity Appearance

February 10, 2024

Meghan Markle & Prince Harry React to Princess Catherine’s Cancer Diagnosis

March 25, 2024

King Charles, 75, Issues His First Public Statement since Cancer Diagnosis

February 08, 2024

‘I’m Sorry’: Prince William Gave a Rare Comment on Ailing Wife Catherine at the Baftas

February 22, 2024

King Charles, with Queen Camilla by His Side, Returns to London via Helicopter for Cancer Treatment — Photo

February 13, 2024

Queen Camilla Takes a Work Break to Be with Ailing Husband King Charles & Family: Details

March 05, 2024

Observers Find 10 Signs That Suggest Princess Catherine's Cancer Announcement Video Is 'Not Real'

March 25, 2024

King Charles' Cousin's Husband Found Dead at 45: Tragic Details

February 29, 2024

Prince William Speaks Out for the 1st Time on His Wife & Dad's Health Issues — The Public Sends Prayers

February 08, 2024