Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, announced on Friday that she is now undergoing chemotherapy treatment for an undisclosed cancer diagnosis. “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” she shared on X (formerly known as Twitter). “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.”
Back in January, Kensington Palace revealed that the Princess of Wales was undergoing a planned abdominal surgery and would remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days before returning home to recover. They stated that she was unlikely to return to her royal duties until after Easter. Updates, they said, would only be shared if there was “significant new information.” Rumors have abounded since.
People on the internet soon speculated about potential other reasons for Kate’s absence from her royal duties, including that her health issues were more serious than the statement suggested.
The Princess of Wales isn’t the only royal to receive a cancer diagnosis in recent weeks. King Charles, her father-in-law, also has a non-specified type of cancer, which Buckingham Palace announced in February, following treatment for an enlarged prostate.
A lot remains unknown about the princess’s specific diagnosis and treatment plan. In the meantime, here’s what to know about preventative chemotherapy.
