The Princess of Wales has issued a statement confirming she has cancer.
Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales | POOL phoot by Ian Vogler/AFP via Getty Images
LONDON — Catherine, the princess of Wales, has been diagnosed with cancer, she has announced.
She said in a video statement: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous. 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 had come as a “huge shock” and that she and Prince William had “been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”
Kate made the announcement in a video statement filmed Wednesday and released Friday via the couple’s X account.
Buckingham Palace released a statement saying King Charles is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did,” saying he remains in the “closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law.” The princess is usually known as “Kate” by the public, although the royals often refer to her by her more formal name of “Catherine.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was among the first to wish the princess well, praising her “tremendous bravery” in a post on X, and urging that she is “afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”
The princess had abdominal surgery in January, after which she spent almost two weeks at the London Clinic.
Difficult time for the royal family
Kensington Palace previously said she would take time away from public-facing engagements until after Easter.
But her absence has triggered weeks of online rumors and conspiracy theories about her health.
Social media speculation spiked after she posted an edited photo with her children on Mother’s Day earlier this month, leading news agencies including Reuters and the Associated Press to issue kill notifications.
Catherine, 42, has not appeared in public since Christmas Day.
The announcement comes at a difficult time for the royal family, with King Charles temporarily stepping back from public duties while he is treated for cancer.
Buckingham Palace has not said what type of cancer the 75-year-old has, but confirmed that it was not prostate cancer.
‘I am well’
In her statement, Kate said she had “taken time” to explain the situation to her three children — George, Charlotte and Louis — and that she had told them: “I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”
She described William as “a great source of comfort and reassurance” to her, and asked for “time, space and privacy” while she completes her treatment. Addressing others facing cancer, she urged: “Please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
Labour Leader Keir Starmer was also among those who wished Kate well, adding his voice to those criticizing the way her condition has been handled. Starmer posted on X: “I can only imagine the added stress of receiving that news amid the lurid speculation we’ve seen in recent weeks. Their Royal Highnesses are entitled to privacy and, like any parents, will have waited to choose the right moment to tell their children.”
Karine Jean-Pierre, the United States President Joe Biden’s press secretary, told reporters the White House had “just heard … the terrible news” and “our thoughts are with [Kate] … during this incredibly difficult time, and certainly we wish her a full recovery and I think it important that we respect her privacy.”
