Kate Middleton News Roundup: Duchess Reveals Diagnosis, Releases Follow-Up Statement & More

Here’s all the Kate Middleton news you need to know for the week of March 29, 2024.

• Last week, Kate Middleton, 42, released a heartbreaking video confirming that she’s been diagnosed with cancer. The clip featured the Princess of Wales speaking directly to the camera, and it was posted on her official social media account.

• She said, “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.”

• The health update came after speculation grew following the duchess's abdominal surgery earlier this year.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

• Princess Catherine and her husband, Prince William, released a joint statement thanking fans for the outpouring of support they’ve received following the announcement.

• The official statement read: “The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the U.K., across the Commonwealth, and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message. They are extremely moved by the public's warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time.”

• The personal message was released by a Kensington Palace spokesperson in an exclusive deal with TIME.

CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY IMAGES

• Queen Camilla shared a health update regarding Princess Catherine during a recent visit to the Shrewsbury Farmers’ Market. “I know that Catherine is thrilled by all the kind wishes and support,” she said.

• The update came after the queen encountered two young girls, ages 6 and 10, who had made posters for the Princess of Wales that read, “Send our love to Kate.” Queen Camilla promised to deliver them.

• Earlier this week, Buckingham Palace announced that His Majesty, 75, will attend the annual Easter Sunday church service along with his wife, Queen Camilla, 76. However, Princess Catherine, Prince William and their three children—Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5—are supposed to be absent from the festivities.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

• Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, praised the Princess of Wales for courageously revealing her cancer diagnosis.

• The historian posted a screenshot on Instagram of the video, which shows Princess Catherine sitting on a bench while wearing a black-and-white striped sweater and jeans, and wrote in the caption, “Incredible poise and strength.”

• Prior to the announcement, Spencer sat down for an interview with BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg and discussed the media scrutiny that Princess Catherine was receiving. He even compared it to the criticism his older sister, Princess Diana, endured from the press.

• After the news broke about Princess Catherine, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reached out and shared some encouraging words. They said, “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”

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