When Kate Middleton revealed her can.cer diagnosis on March 22, 2024, an overwhelming wave of support followed. However, the palace made it clear why she chose not to disclose the specific type of can.cer she was battling.
Her announcement came after months of speculation, as rumors and conspiracy theories circulated. Once she addressed her absence from royal duties, the hashtag #WhereIsKateMiddleton quickly faded. Now, as the anniversary of her revelation approaches, we reflect on the significance of her diagnosis and her decision to keep certain details private.
Prince William’s Response to Kate’s Diagnosis
Although Kate publicly shared her diagnosis last March, it was only recently that insights into Prince William’s reaction emerged.
Former royal aide Jason Knauf spoke with 60 Minutes Australia about his time working with the Prince and Princess of Wales. He described how devastating the news was for William.
“It was awful, absolutely awful. It’s the lowest I’ve ever seen him,” Jason recalled.
He also revealed that the couple chose to delay the public announcement to prioritize discussing it with their children and facing the challenge together as a family.
Why Kate Middleton Kept Her Can:cer Type Private
Kensington Palace addressed public and media inquiries about Kate’s diagnosis, making it clear that no further details would be shared.
“The Princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do,” the palace stated.
Now that Kate is in remission, the royal family has maintained their stance on keeping additional medical information, including the stage of her can.cer, private. A similar approach was taken when King Charles announced his can.cer diagnosis in February 2024.
At the time, Buckingham Palace released a statement explaining:
“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
Kate Middleton’s Message
In a heartfelt video released in March 2024, Kate spoke to the public while sitting on a wooden bench in the sunlight.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was believed to be non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, post-operative tests revealed the presence of cancer,” she shared.
“My medical team therefore recommended I undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment. This was, of course, a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and navigate this privately for the sake of our young family.”
By September, she shared another update, expressing a renewed sense of optimism.
“Despite everything, I enter this new phase of recovery with a sense of hope and deep appreciation for life. William and I are incredibly grateful for the support we have received—it has given us strength during this time.
The kindness, empathy, and compassion shown by so many have been truly humbling. To everyone on their own can.cer journey, I stand with you—side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, light can emerge, so let that light shine brightly.”
Kate’s Strength Through Recovery
Ahead of Trooping the Colour in June, Kate provided another update on her progress, acknowledging both the challenges and triumphs of her recovery.
“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy knows, there are good days and bad days. On the bad days, you feel weak and exhausted, and you must allow your body the rest it needs. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of that energy.”
By January 2025, Kate officially announced she was in remission and looking forward to the future.
