Kate Middleton’s health history, from her shock cancer diagnosis to her battle with extreme morning sickness and the four-inch scar that runs across her head from a childhood injury
The Princess of Wales today said she is ‘doing well’ as she bravely opened up about her cancer diagnosis.
Kate Middleton, 42, was admitted to a London hospital in January for a planned operation and returned to Windsor to continue her recovery.
However, doctors discovered an unspecified form of cancer in tests taken after her surgery.
Today, Kate revealed in a video message that the diagnosis ‘came as a huge shock’ but she was now in the ‘early phase’ of preventive chemotherapy treatment.
Here MailOnline describes her health history.
Kate Middleton, 42, was admitted to a London hospital in January for a planned operation and returned to Windsor to continue her recovery. However, doctors discovered an unspecified form of cancer in tests taken after her surgery. Today, Kate revealed in a video message that the diagnosis ‘came as a huge shock’ but she was now in the ‘early phase’ of preventive chemotherapy treatment.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were spotted together last week as William attended The Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey
The Princess of Wales with her children in her Mother’s Day portrait, which has now taken on significance given her diagnosis
A two-inch scar on the head
Kate has a three-inch scar on the left side of her head, dating from childhood.
It was first noticed in 2011 when the Princess officiated her first solo royal engagement at a private black tie dinner at Clarence House.
It was confirmed that it was the result of a surgery performed when she was a young child.
An official statement explained that “the scar was related to a pediatric operation,” but that the details of the operation were a private matter.
Royal sources confirmed it had been ‘a very serious operation’ but declined to comment further.
However, surgeons said at the time that the scar is unlikely to be the result of a tumor and may have been caused by the removal of a mole.
Kate’s scar was first noticed when she attended a dinner at Clarence House in 2011
A statement explained that the scar, which was normally hidden, was from a childhood operation
Morning sickness
The princess was hospitalized for three days in 2012 due to severe morning sickness while pregnant with Prince George.
She was admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital, a private hospital in Marylebone used by the royal family for more than a century.
Kate suffered a recurrence of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) while pregnant with Princess Charlotte in 2014 and Prince Louis in 2018.
This condition caused the princess to announce her later two pregnancies prematurely, before reaching the crucial twelve-week stage.
However, while she was transporting Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, she was cared for at Kensington Palace rather than hospital.
HG can lead to severe dehydration and puts both mother and baby at risk of being deprived of essential nutrients because they are unable to keep food and drink down.
Patients can vomit up to 30 times a day, with exhausting and dangerous consequences.
Kate revealed in 2020 that she used meditation and deep breathing to manage her symptoms.
Abdominal surgery
The princess was scheduled for major abdominal surgery in January and spent two weeks in hospital.
Kate was admitted to the London Clinic in Marylebone and returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery with the support of her family.
At the time, her condition was not thought to be cancerous but no other details of the operation were given.
She was advised to recover for two to three months.
Her absence from the public eye sparked a social media firestorm and a number of baseless conspiracy theories.
It was alleged that at least one employee of the London Clinic tried to access her medical records.
Three employees have been suspended while the hospital investigates the claims.
Kensington Palace announced in January that the Princess of Wales had undergone abdominal surgery
Police officers today stand outside the London Clinic where Kate is staying after the operation
In a video message released today, Kate said her medical team had advised her to undergo a preventive course of chemotherapy. “This obviously came as a huge shock, and William and I have done everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she added.
The Princess of Wales said her family (pictured together on December 25) ‘need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment’
Cancer diagnosis
The princess announced today that she is in the “early stages” of treatment for an unspecified form of cancer.
No tests prior to her abdominal surgery had confirmed the presence of cancer.
However, doctors discovered the disease in tests taken after her surgery.
In a video message released today, Kate said her medical team had advised her to undergo a preventive course of chemotherapy.
“This obviously came as a huge shock, and William and I have done everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she added.
“I am doing well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal: in my mind, body and spirit,” she said.
Kate also recognized others whose lives have been impacted by cancer.
“To anyone facing this disease in any form, please do not lose faith and hope. You are not alone.’
Kate’s battle with cancer in her own words: Full emotional video statement from the Princess of Wales
I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank you for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding while I was recovering from surgery.
It’s been an incredibly tough few months for our whole family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
In January I had major abdominal surgery in London and at the time my condition was deemed to be non-cancerous. The operation was successful. However, tests after the surgery revealed that cancer was present. My medical team therefore recommended that I undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
This obviously came as a huge shock, and William and I have done everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.
As you can imagine, this has taken time. It took me time to recover from major surgery before I could start my treatment. But the most important thing is that it took us time to explain everything
George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that suits them, and to reassure them that I will be fine.
As I told them; I am doing well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit.
Having William by my side is also a great source of comfort and reassurance. As does the love, support and kindness shown by so many of you. It means so much to both of us.
We hope you understand that we as a family now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
At this time I also think of all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. To anyone facing this disease in any form, please do not lose faith and hope. You are not alone.