Prince William Abruptly Pulled Out of Godfather's Memorial Service Due to Kate Middleton's Cancer Diagnosis

The Princess of Wales shared she was undergoing treatment for cancer in a personal video message

<p>Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images</p> Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Korea state visit to the U.K. on Nov. 21, 2023

Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Korea state visit to the U.K. on Nov. 21, 2023

Prince William dropped out of the ceremony honoring his godfather King Constantine of Greece last month due to Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis.

The Princess of Wales, 42, revealed on Friday that she is undergoing treatment for cancer, which was discovered in post-operative tests related to her abdominal surgery on Jan. 16.

On Feb. 27, the Prince of Wales, 41, pulled out of the service of Thanksgiving at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle honoring his godfather at the last minute. At the time, the palace revealed he was unable to attend due to a personal matter. Prince William was set to do a reading at the service.

It has now been revealed that Kate began chemotherapy in late February.

<p>Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images</p> Prince William and Kate Middleton visit Cardiff, Wales on Oct. 3, 2023

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

Prince William and Kate Middleton visit Cardiff, Wales on Oct. 3, 2023

Related: Kate Middleton Paid Bar Tab at St. Patrick's Day Parade She Missed Due to Surgery Recovery: Report

William's godfather Constantine, who was the last King of Greece, died in January 2023 at age 82. The Prince of Wales informed the late King's family that he was unable to attend ahead of the event.

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<p>Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images</p> Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Korea state visit to the U.K. on Nov. 21, 2023

Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Korea state visit to the U.K. on Nov. 21, 2023

Queen Camilla, 76, formally led the British royal family at the service, stepping in for her husband, King Charles, who is also undergoing cancer treatment and has canceled most public-facing duties. She was joined by family and friends as well as royals from around the world.

<p>ANDREW MATTHEWS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images</p> Queen Camilla attends Thanksgiving service honoring King Constantine on Feb. 27, 2024.

ANDREW MATTHEWS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Queen Camilla attends Thanksgiving service honoring King Constantine on Feb. 27, 2024.

Related: Kate Middleton Receives Good News About Her Passion Project amid Surgery Recovery

The Princess of Wales, 42, shared her health news on Friday in a personal video message.

"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought
that my condition was non-cancerous," she said. "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."

She said, "Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance."

"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," she said.

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