LONDON, March 24 — Kate, the United Kingdom’s Princess of Wales, said she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy after tests taken following major abdominal surgery in January revealed that cancer had been present.
Her Royal Highness, the 42-year-old wife of the heir to the throne Prince William, called the cancer discovery a “huge shock” during the announcement yesterday. The news comes as a fresh health blow to the British royal family: King Charles is also undergoing treatment for cancer.
The Princess spent two weeks in hospital in January after undergoing what her office said at the time was successful, planned surgery for an unspecified but non-cancerous condition.
However, Her Royal Highness said in a video message that subsequent tests had revealed cancer had been found. She said she was well and getting stronger.
“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,” said the Princess.
Her Royal Highness was dressed in jeans and a jumper and looked pale and tired in the video, which was filmed on Wednesday (March 20).
“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,” said the Princess.
Following her operation, the palace had said the Princess would not return to official duties until after Easter, which falls at the end of this month. But her absence from public life has provoked intense speculation and wild rumours on social media.
King Charles, 75, underwent a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate at the same hospital as Kate in January. Buckingham Palace then revealed in February that His Majesty was to have treatment for cancer, requiring a postponement of public royal duties.
“His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said, adding the King had been in close contact with Kate since they were at the private London Clinic together in January.
“Both their majesties ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.”
Prince Harry, who has fallen out with William since he moved to California with his wife Meghan, sent a message of support.
“We wish health and healing for Kate and the family and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” said Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Similar statements also poured in from British political leaders and from the office of United States President Joe Biden, for the Princess, who is popularly known by her maiden name, Kate Middleton.
Her Royal Highness’ office, Kensington Palace, said it would give no further details about the type of cancer that had been found, saying the princess had a right to medical privacy.
It said she was on a recovery pathway, and the preventative chemotherapy had begun in February.
Privacy
The timing of the announcement was to ensure that Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, had time to digest the news before it became public and because yesterday marked the start of their school holidays.
“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 will 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 spirits,” said the Princess.
Her Royal Highness has not appeared at a public event since she joined other members of the royal family for a church service on Christmas Day last year.
However, a video filmed last Saturday (March 16) by a member of the public, which was published by The Sun newspaper, showed the Princess looking healthy, walking, and carrying shopping bags alongside her husband at a farm shop in Windsor, near to their home.
“We hope 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,” said Her Royal Highness.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Kate had the love and support of the whole country.
“She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today. In recent weeks, she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media,” he said in a statement.
Medical experts said it was difficult to determine how long Kate would need the treatment without more information, including what type of cancer was found.
“Preventive chemotherapy after surgery is given to reduce the risk of cancer coming back in the future — a bit like mopping a floor with bleach when you’ve spilt something on it; chemotherapy kills any spilt cells,” said University of Birmingham consultant colorectal surgeon Professor Andrew Beggs.
Kensington Palace said William, whose mother Princess Diana died in a car crash when she was just 36, would continue his duties while supporting his wife, as he had since her surgery. A source said the Princess was in good spirits and focused on her recovery.
However, neither will be present for the traditional gathering of royals for a church service on Easter Sunday at Windsor.
Her Royal Highness was the first commoner to marry a prince in close proximity to the throne in more than 350 years when she wed William in 2011, and has since become one of the most popular royals.
“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,” said the Princess.
— Reuters
