Kate Middleton makes public announcement following cancer diagnosis

After stepping down from her Royal Duties in December 2023, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, addressed her first public statement.

The Royal Family Attend The "Together At Christmas" Carol Service
The Royal Family Attend The "Together At Christmas" Carol Service / Chris Jackson/GettyImages
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In a video released by Kensington Palace on Wednesday and made public today, Kate Middleton, royally titled Catherine, Princess of Wales, sat down and spoke about her health status, including recovering from major abdominal surgery and her new cancer diagnosis. The latter is a tough dilemma that no one should endure, as she's a mother and not just a World Figure.

"I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you personally for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I've been recovering from surgery," the Princess states in the video. It has been a tough couple of months for our entire family, but I've had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me for which I'm so grateful [for]."

See her entire message below.

Back in January, Kate underwent a successful abdominal surgery in London, and tests revealed at the time that no cancer was found. Yet, later tests disputed the negative findings, and cancer was discovered. Per the video, she is currently being treated for the disease with preventative chemotherapy. It's unknown how long the treatments will take or the cancer type that Kate has.

The challenging obstacle about the matter is addressing the cancer diagnosis of her three young children, Charlotte and Louis. With the help of Kate's husband, Prince William, they got their children to understand their mother's condition and that she was "well" despite the conditions.

The Princess additionally praised William as her "great source of comfort and reassurance" for being at her "side" through this brave battle and for the "love, support, and kindness" shown by the public. She focuses on fully recovering to return to work, which grants her "a deep sense of joy," and is counting down the days until she can return. Earlier predictions revealed that she'd return Easter Sunday, but it's now unlikely.

Kate's diagnosis comes after her father-in-law, King Charles III's cancer diagnosis in February. The King told the UK publication The Guardian that he "was so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did."

In the video's closing, the Princess ascertained anyone who's battling the disease are "not alone."

"At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone."

Catherine, The Princess of Wales

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex offer support to Kate Middleton following her cancer diagnosis

William's younger brother, Duke Harry, and his wife, Duchess Meghan Markle, shared their concerns regarding their sister-in-law's cancer news in a statement for People and other outlets. Although their relationships are strained (in a sense), they're still a family.

"We wish health and healing for Kate and the family and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace," the statement reads.

As the Royal Family copes with the news, Kate and William ask for privacy and hope it'll be respected.