A Timeline of Kate Middleton's Health News
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In January, Kensington Palace announced that Kate Middleton had undergone abdominal surgery, and would not be returning to public duties until after Easter at the earliest. They added that they would only be providing updates when "there is significant new information to share," and have stuck to that plan. Even following immense speculation on the Princess of Wales's health in late February, the Palace reiterated that "Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess' recovery and we'd only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands."
But in March, they shared a significant update: Kate is being treated for cancer.
Here, T&C takes a look back on all the statements Kensington Palace has made about the Princess of Wales, in a complete timeline of her health news:
December 25, 2023: Kate attends Christmas services at Sandringham with the royal family.
As is annual tradition for the royal family, Kate appeared with her family on Christmas day, as they walked to church at Sandringham. This appearance became notable only later, as it marks the last time the Princess made a public appearance before her surgery.
January 16: Kate undergoes planned abdominal surgery at the London Clinic.
In mid-January, the Princess of Wales underwent planned abdominal surgery at the London Clinic. News of the surgery was not made public until the following day.
January 17: Kensington Palace releases their first statement on Kate's health.
"Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery," Kensington Palace said in a shocking statement. "The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."
The Palace continued, "The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private. Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share. The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."
It is understood her surgery was not cancerous, but no other details were provided on the Princess's health conditions.
January 18: William visits Kate at the hospital.
Prince William was photographed driving from the London Clinic, where he visited his wife as she recuperated from surgery; it was the only time the Prince of Wales was pictured at the hospital during her entire two-week stay. Meanwhile, in the aftermath of her surgery, William postponed his public engagements to be by his wife's side.
January 26: King Charles visits Kate at the hospital.
On January 26, King Charles was admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for a benign enlarged prostate. Before his admittance, he visited the Princess of Wales, who was still recuperating from her surgery in the London Clinic.
A week later, Buckingham Palace announced the King has cancer, saying, "During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer."
January 29: Kate is discharged from hospital.
On the same day King Charles was discharged from the hospital, the Princess of Wales was also discharged. While Charles was pictured smiling and waving as he left (above), Kate was not seen as she left the London Clinic.
"The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress," Kensington Palace said in a statement. "The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided. The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world."
As of January 29, Kate is said to be recuperating at home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
February 7: Prince William returns to public duties, and carries out a day of engagements.
A bit over a week following Kate's discharge from the hospital, Prince William returned to public engagements, carrying out an investiture and attending a gala dinner for London's air ambulance charity.
At the investiture, William revealed that Kate has two "amazing and kind" nurses caring for her, and at the gala dinner, he said, "I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days. It means a great deal to us all."
February 27: Kensington Palace gives a brief update on Kate's health.
When Kensington Palace shared that Prince William had to miss King Constantine's memorial service due to a "personal matter," they gave a brief health update on Kate, saying she "continues to be doing well."
February 29: Kensington Palace emphasizes that there will be no regular updates on Kate's health.
In response to rampant online speculation about the Princess, a spokesperson said, "Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess' recovery and we'd only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands." The spokesperson reiterated that Kate is "doing well."
March 4: Kate is spotted in public for the first time.
In the first photographs of the Princess of Wales since December, she was pictured in the passenger seat of an car driven by her mom, Carole Middleton, near Windsor Castle. The unauthorized paparazzi photos were obtained by TMZ. (Read more here.)
March 10: Kensington Palace shares first official photo of Kate following her surgery.
In honor of Mother's Day in the UK, Kensington Palace released a new photo of Kate, which was taken by Prince William and shows the Princess surrounded by her three children. The image was accompanied by a brief message from Kate, thanking the public for their continued support.
Soon after the image was released, the photograph was recalled by photo agencies, following speculation it had been photoshopped. Photo agencies citied their reason for recall as an "editorial issue" and "post-publication review."
March 11: The Palace shares an apology from Kate over the edited photo.
In response to the photo editing drama, Kensington Palace shared a personal apology from Kate Middleton, who wrote, "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day." The Palace has not shared the original photograph.
A few hours later, Kate was pictured in a car with Prince William leaving Windsor Castle. She was heading to a private appointment, while William appeared at Commonwealth Day Service at Windsor Castle.
March 16: Kate is spotted out and about in Windsor.
Locals spotted the Princess of Wales at what is reportedly her favorite farm shop, according to the Sun. Onlookers said she looked "happy, relaxed and healthy." A witness told the tabloid, "After all the rumours that had been going round I was stunned to see them there. Kate was out shopping with William and she looked happy and she looked well. The kids weren’t with them but it's such a good sign she was healthy enough to pop down to the shops." Two days later, on March 18, the outlet published photos and videos of the outing.
March 20: An inquiry is opened into London Clinic staff who reportedly tried to access Kate's medical records.
An inquiry has been opened into hospital staff who reportedly attempted to access the medical records of the Princess of Wales. The London Clinic said in a statement, "We have systems in place to monitor management of patient information and, in the case of any breach, all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken. There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues."
March 22: Kate has cancer, Kensington Palace announces.
Over two months after her surgery, the Palace announced the Princess has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving chemotherapy.
Kate also released a personal video message, saying it has been an "incredibly tough few months" and asking for privacy. "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."
We'll update this as more news becomes available about Kate Middleton's health and recovery.
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