When Kate Middleton and Prince William found out she had cancer: source
Princess Kate MiddletonThe cancer diagnosis was revealed to the royal family at the end of February, and here’s why Prince William had to miss the memorial service in honor of his godfather, a source said We weekly.
“Kate had to have abdominal surgery and that’s when they found out she had cancer,” a source said Us on Friday, March 22. “The day the family found out was the day William canceled his godfather’s memorial service King Constantine of Greece.”
On February 27, members of the royal family were due to attend a memorial service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor for the late Constantine, who died in January 2023. However, Kensington Palace released a last-minute statement revealing that William, 41, would not be attending ‘due to a personal matter’.
There were still questions about Kate’s health as she recovered from a planned abdominal surgery that had taken place the month before. On Friday, Kate’s cancer diagnosis was revealed in a video released worldwide.
A message from Catherine, Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024
“In January I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time my condition was thought to be non-cancerous,” she said during Friday’s statement. “The operation was successful, but tests after the operation revealed that cancer was present. My medical team therefore recommended that I undergo preventative chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
She added: “We hope you understand that as a family we 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 have to focus on a full recovery.”
The royal family has been “processing the information” since receiving news of her diagnosis, the same source said Us.
Kate Middleton and Prince William
Karwai Tang/WireImageThe insider added: “They wanted to wait to tell the world the news until their children were off school over the Easter holidays so they had time to process the news before the whole world was talking about it. They do not reveal which type of cancer it is.”
Kate’s health has been making headlines since news of her abdominal surgery broke in January. At the time, Kensington Palace announced she would be stepping back from her public duties until after the Easter holidays.
Prince William and Kate Middleton
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Princess Kate rose through the ranks of the royal family, quickly transforming from a commoner into the future Queen Consort of England. The Princess of Wales met her future husband, Prince William, at university, and the couple married in 2011 after almost a decade together. They proceeded to welcome son […]
Despite keeping it quiet in recent months, Kate has been spotted several times. She was first seen on March 4 sitting next to her mother, Carole Middleton, in the passenger seat of a car. Days later, Kate was spotted in the backseat of a separate vehicle with William by her side.
On March 16, William and Kate had a public outing at the Windsor Farm Shop that made major headlines. The Prince and Princess of Wales appeared to be in good spirits as they spent the day together, according to a video captured by an eyewitness.
“Kate looked happy and relaxed,” said the eyewitness, who has since been identified Nelson Silva, told TMZ at the time, noting that she and William looked like a “normal” couple. “They look happy just being able to go to a store and have fun,” Silva added. ‘Kate seemed relieved as if going to the store was a success. It felt natural.”