In an Instagram video posted to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ account, Princess Catherine revealed that she has cancer and is undergoing treatment.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” the Princess explained.
“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.”
This announcement comes after many wild conspiracy theories about Princess Catherine’s condition and her health after surgery.
But Prince William had no time for the speculations.
A spokesperson for the Prince of Wales told People on March 6, “His focus is on his work and not on social media.”
Kensington Palace also addressed the online theories about Catherine.
“We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant,” a spokesperson for Catherine said on February 29.
This statement came just two days after the palace’s last update, where they said Catherine was doing “well” in response to Prince William not attending a royal engagement.
For further context, on February 27, William suddenly pulled out of attending a memorial service for his godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece, because of a “personal matter.”
And when NBCNews pressed for further information, the palace declined but did add, “The Princess of Wales, who is recovering from abdominal surgery, continues to do well.”
Both Catherine and King Charles left a London hospital after receiving their respective treatments on January 30. Catherine was not publicly seen leaving the hospital but the 75-year-old monarch left the London Clinic with Queen Camilla by his side after receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate.
“His Majesty would like to thank the medical team and all those involved in supporting his hospital visit, and is grateful for all the kind messages he has received in recent days,” a statement from Buckingham Palace read.
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales returned home to Windsor and Kensington Palace confirmed in a separate statement that she was making good progress two weeks on from the operation.
“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 palace added in the statement.
Buckingham Palace first revealed that Princess Catherine had undergone abdominal surgery and would remain in hospital for 14 days while she received care on January 17.
They also shared that as a result of the surgery, Catherine is not expected to resume her royal duties until after Easter while she recovers.
“The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible,” the statement from Kensington Palace read.
The statement also acknowledged that whilst news of the Princess’ surgery will generate interest, that she wishes for privacy for the sake of her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
“She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.”
The palace concluded the statement saying that any further updates on the Princess’ condition will only be provided when there is significant news to share.
Princess Catherine’s last royal engagement was the royal family’s annual walkabout for the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham. Just weeks before that, she kicked off her annual cause, the Royal Carols: Together at Christmas concert.
“Christmas is a time when we come together and celebrate the birth of a newborn baby. The arrival of every baby is a precious and momentous time, it brings us together to reflect on new beginnings and brings hope for the future,” she said in December 2023.
