Kate Middleton Will Miss Colonel’s Review Due to Her Ongoing Cancer Treatment: An Inside Look at Her Health
A wave of well wishes continues to flow towards Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, as she enters the most encouraging stage of her cancer journey: recovery.
The princess announced on September 9, 2024, via a video message posted on social media, that she is cancer free following nine months of treatment. The footage, showing Kate with her husband, Prince William, and their three children spending quality time together throughout the summer months, offered viewers a reminder of just how grueling the cancer experience is – royal or not.
"The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you," Kate said in a voiceover as the video captured sweet moments shared with her children, husband and parents. "With humility, it also brings. you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything."
Keep scrolling to take a closer look at Kate Middleton's health journey and cancer treatment.
Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024
In a video message on March 22, 2024, Kate announced undergoing "early stages" of preventive chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer. While the specific type of cancer was and has remained unknown, Kate did disclose that the diagnosis came as a surprise following major abdominal surgery in January. “The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” she said in the video. This news marked Kate's first public address since the surgery. Watch her announcement below:
Kate Middleton had abdominal surgery before her cancer diagnosis
On January 16, 2024, Kate underwent a planned abdominal surgery. A statement released by Kensington Palace the following day confirmed the surgery's success. It anticipated a 10 to 14-day hospital stay followed by a two to three-month recovery at home. The statement further indicated that Kate wouldn't resume public duties until after Easter and that only "significant" updates would be provided, respecting the princess's privacy.
For weeks following the surgery, before her cancer diagnosis became public, speculation and rumors swirled about Kate's well-being. The secrecy surrounding the nature of the surgery fueled online conspiracies.
Kate Middleton made rare public appearances during cancer treatment
The Princess of Wales stayed behind closed doors for the majority of her cancer treatment, though she did attend Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of the monarch's birthday, in a much celebrated appearance. She also offered an update about her condition at the time, telling the public that she was making strides towards health, but still had a ways to go.
"I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days," Kate wrote in a letter shared by Kensington Palace. "On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well," she continued, noting that her treatment will continue "for a few more months" as she is not "out of the woods yet."
"On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home," she additionally shared, before turning her attention to her first official appearance since December 2023.
"I'm looking forward to attending The King's Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet," she said. "I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal."
Will Kate Middleton be returning to royal duties?
In the same video message announcing her cancer-free status, Kate shared with followers that she will slowly start to return to public-facing royal duties, as and when her health allows her to do so.
"I am ... looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can," the princess shared. "Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life."
Kate concluded her message by reinforcing her support for those currently facing their own cancer battles, before thanking the public for their unwavering well wishes. "William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time," she said. "Everyone's kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling."
Watch the full video message below:
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