NEED TO KNOW
- January 2024: Princess Kate is hospitalised for abdominal surgery.
- March 2024: Kate announces her cancer diagnosis.
- September 2024: Kate completes her chemotherapy treatment.
- January 2025: Kate confirms she is in remission.
Fresh details about Kate Middleton’s cancer battle have been revealed.
The Princess of Wales, 44, announced on March 23, 2024, that she was in the early stages of cancer treatment.
She kept the details of her health battle private, but confirmed that she was in remission on January 15, 2025.
Now, it has been revealed how Kate and Prince William told their three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, about her diagnosis.
“They both very calmly told the children what was going on and how long Catherine would need to be away for, but explained other than that everything would continue as normal and when she came home, she would need to rest up for a bit,” Russell Myers revealed in an excerpt of his new book, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, published in The Mirror.
He revealed that Kate kept in touch with her family over video calls while she was in hospital, with William being the steadfast support for both his wife and their children during the difficult time.
“But away from the children, [William] was of course incredibly pensive,” the royal expert added. “His father’s illness brought into focus just how quickly his life, and that of his family, as well as the whole landscape of the institution, could change very quickly.”
Scroll on to read what Kate has said about her cancer treatment.
What has Princess Catherine said about her cancer treatment?
Kate kept the details of her cancer treatment private, but has issued multiple statements to raise awareness for the disease.
On World Cancer Day, she issued a poignant statement in support of anyone affected by cancer.
“On World Cancer Day, my thoughts are with everyone who is facing a cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatment, or finding their way through recovery,” she said in the video message.
“Cancer touches so many lives. Not only patients, but also the families, friends, and caregivers who walk beside them. As anyone who has experienced this journey will know, it’s not linear. There are moments of fear and exhaustion. But also moments of strength, kindness, and profound connection.
“Today is a reminder of the importance of care, understanding, and hope. Please know you are not alone.”
Her video comes just weeks after Kate made an unannounced visit to speak to patients at Charing Cross Hospital in west London.
She was joined by Prince William during the visit on January 8, where she made a candid reflection about her health while speaking to a volunteer who works with chemotherapy patients.
According to HELLO! Magazine, the volunteer spoke about how patients have to be in hospital for “hours”, prompting Kate to reply, “I know… we know,” while touching William’s arm.
William, 43, also referenced Kate’s cancer treatment during the hospital visit, which he said reminded them of the “importance” of hospital staff.
“Both of us have had different experiences with hospitals. Me working with the air ambulance; Catherine with her recent health journey,” he said, according to The Sun.
“Coming here today and reminding ourselves just how important all the teams are, all the staff, the patients. It’s so heartwarming, and it’s so important that we kind of acknowledge and appreciate all that goes on in the NHS and that very strong bond between patient and carer.”
Is Princess Kate in remission?
On January 15, 2025, Kate shared a social media statement confirming that she was in remission.
In the message, she thanked the medical staff at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London for “looking after me so well during the past year”.
“We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional,” she shared.
She also gave her “heartfelt thanks” to her husband, Prince William, and those closest to her, who had “quietly walked alongside” them during the challenging time.
“It is a relief to now be in remission, and I remain focused on recovery,” she continued.
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead.
“There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
What medical condition did Kate Middleton have?
Kate announced that she had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer on March 23, 2024.
The news came after months of speculation following the mother-of-three’s exploratory abdominal surgery in early 2024.
Kate’s cancer diagnosis was made public in a video posted to the official Prince and Princess of Wales Instagram account.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery,” Kate said.
“It has been an incredibly 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 am so grateful.”
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. 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.
“This, of course, came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing 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 has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte, and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.”
“As I have said to them, I am 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 a great source of comfort and reassurance, too. As is the love, support, and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”
“We hope that you will 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 must focus on making a full recovery.”
“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.”
What has Prince William said about Kate’s cancer diagnosis?
Shortly after Kate’s diagnosis, the Prince of Wales spoke about his wife’s health while speaking to a fan outside James’ Place, Newcastle, in May 2024.
“Do you mind if I ask how your wife and children are?” the Prince of Wales was reportedly asked, to which he is said to have replied: “All doing well, thank you. Yes, we’re doing well,” as per The Sun.
At the beginning of June 2024, Prince William gave a rare statement about Kate Middleton’s cancer recovery.
Attending a D-Day service, the future king told veterans that his wife was “getting better” as she underwent treatment.
“She’d have loved to be here,” Wills added.
In November 2025, William was also asked how he and Kate went about approaching “difficult” moments with their three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis.
In the candid interview, he described it as a “balancing act” and added that “hiding stuff from them doesn’t work.”
“Every family has its own difficulties and its own challenges,” he shared. “I think it’s very individual and sort of moment-dependent as to how you deal with those problems.
“We choose to communicate a lot more with our children, now that has its good things and its bad things.”
“Sometimes you feel you’re oversharing with the children [and] you probably shouldn’t.”
“But most of the time, hiding stuff from them doesn’t work.”
How did King Charles respond to Kate’s cancer diagnosis?
Following Kate’s video announcement, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said that King Charles was “so proud of Catherine (the Princess of Wales) for her courage in speaking as she did”.
Charles, who is also receiving treatment for an undisclosed cancer, “will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time” and has “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks”.
A royal insider revealed that there were even a few days of crossover when both Charles and Kate were patients at The London Clinic, and the pair became “closer than ever”.
“When they were in the hospital together, there was a lot of toddling down the corridor to spend time with her. He has been encouraging and supporting her throughout,” a royal insider shared with The Times.
“The King has always had a close, warm, and unique relationship with the princess. She has a great love and respect for him and his position.”
How did Queen Camilla respond to Kate’s cancer news?
Queen Camilla publicly shared an update on how the Princess was doing after members of the public expressed their concern and well-wishes for the popular royal shortly after her diagnosis.
“[She is] thrilled by all the kind wishes and support,” she said.
The royal also stepped up while nursing her sick own husband.
“It’s a devastating and traumatic time for the whole family, and while it might appear Camilla has disappeared, nothing could be further from the truth,” a palace insider told New Idea at the time. “She’s become a key force behind the King’s health and wellbeing.”
“She’s also being a lifesaving shoulder for Prince William to lean on with her invaluable memory and attention to detail.”
“Camilla has even had to timetable her personal calls as her schedule is completely loaded while dealing with the ups and downs of her husband’s treatment.”
How did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle respond to Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex publicly supported Kate following her diagnosis, wishing her “health and healing”.
“We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” the couple said in a statement.
According to PEOPLE, the couple also privately reached out to the Prince and Princess of Wales, offering their well wishes.
However, it was claimed at the time that the Sussexes weren’t even aware of Kate’s cancer diagnosis, and only found out when the rest of the world did – via Kate’s deeply personal video message.
Harry, 41, was once incredibly close with Kate, but they have become estranged in recent years.
How did the Middleton family respond to Kate’s cancer diagnosis?
Kate’s brother James Middleton also shared his support for his older sister after her diagnosis, posting a previously unseen photo of the pair to his Instagram.
“Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too ⛰️❤️,” he penned.
Uncle Gary Goldsmith also shared his well-wishes via X (formerly known as Twitter).
“My thoughts and prayers are with Kate and the wider family at this difficult time. I hope this draws a line over the continued speculation and horrible conspiracies. Let’s give Kate, William & the children time and show some love back.”
Kate’s loving family put their own lives temporarily on hold to help with her care and support her children, George, Charlotte and Louis.
