Kate Middleton has issued a rare statement on her battle with cancer.
The Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, after rumors circulated on social media about her disappearance from public life.
Many users online questioned why the Princess hadn’t been seen publicly for several months, and wild conspiracy theories were widespread.
It wasn’t until some time later that she announced the devastating news.
Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis
In a clip revealing the devastating news, Middleton said: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and 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 preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
She added that: “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 okay.”
In September last year, the royal announced that she had completed her treatment, and in January 2025 revealed that she was in remission.
Princess Kate’s return to royal life
Following the health scare, Middleton has decided to take a very slow and steady return to royal life, given the demanding nature of the public-facing job.
She was set to make an appearance alongside her husband at the Royal Ascot in June, but it was announced last minute that the mom-of-three would not be in attendance.
Speaking to People, Queen Elizabeth’s former spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson, said: “She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life.”
But the Princess recently opened up about the true extent of her cancer battle, and how she navigated the challenging time following her treatment.
True extent of her cancer battle
Middleton made her return to public duties with a meaningful visit to a hospital garden in Essex, UK, where she spoke about finding her ‘new normal.’
She said said: “You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment.
“Treatment’s done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually, the phase afterwards is really, really difficult.”
The 43-year-old added: “You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to.
“And actually, someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable.”
She noted that having someone to talk to during the ‘life-changing’ experience is so vital.
“You have to find your new normal, and that takes time,” Middleton said.
“And it’s a roller coaster, it’s not smooth, like you expect it to be.
“But the reality is you go through hard times.”
Her visit to the hospital garden, in particular, was fueled by how much nature and being outside helped her through the difficult journey.
She noted that it’s where she felt most ‘at peace.’
Princess Kate’s recovery
Following her battle, it appears the Princess is now recovering from her 2024 health scare.
She recently announced (December 1), that her annual Christmas carol concert would return this year, hosted at Westminster Abbey, London.
It was streamed on ITVX on Christmas Eve for viewers to enjoy.
The theme for the 2025 ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service is ‘love in all its forms,’ a powerful choice at the end of the year in which Princess Kate announced that she was in remission from cancer.
Prince William opened up in a rare interview earlier this year about how ‘difficult’ the time had been for his family, while his father King Charles was also battling the disease.
