Princess of Wales cancer latest: Kate receiving chemotherapy treatment

RECAP: The Princess of Wales announced on Friday that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer.

This is everything we have learned since Kate released a video message on Friday evening explaining her situation.

• The Princess said her cancer was only discovered after she underwent major abdominal surgery at The London Clinic

• She said she had been advised by her medical team to undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, but said while the diagnosis was a shock, she is: "well and getting stronger every day"

• In the message, filmed on Wednesday by BBC Studios at Windsor, she said she wanted to keep her diagnosis private so she could tell her three children at the right time

• It is believed she wanted to wait until her children broke up from school for the Easter break before making her condition public

• It remains unclear when Kate will return to public duties but she said for now she will "focus on making a full recovery"

• Well-wishes poured in for the Princess, including from her father-in-law King Charles who Buckingham Palace said is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did”

• Messages also came from celebrities, politicians and sporting figures, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who said: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”

• Kate's brother James Middleton sent an emotional message to his sibling, sharing a picture of them as children as he said she has the support of her family

• Cancer organisations praised the Princess for bravely sharing her diagnosis, saying it would potentially help to encourage people to find out more or think about their own health

When the late queen stood up to give a speech marking 40 years on the throne, in June 1992, she conceded to the assembled dignitaries, and the watching nation, that her family had had an “annus horribilis”.

The phrase came to be remembered as an acknowledgment that even the staunchly dutiful monarch, who rarely betrayed emotion, had felt the cumulative effects of a series of blows.

Yet the past 12 months have surely been marked out as ranking among the most traumatic for the royal family in living memory.

Read the full report on how the royal family’s cancer diagnoses echo that horrible year on The Guardian.

Rishi Sunak has lambasted the online trolls who “unfairly treated” the Princess of Wales and subjected her to “intense scrutiny”.

The Prime Minister was joined in his condemnation by Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, who criticised the “lurid speculation” that has been circulating on the internet and in sections of the international media in recent weeks.

Both Sunak and Starmer called for the Princess to be given the privacy she needs as she undergoes treatment for cancer.

Read more from the Telegraph here.

The news of the Princess of Wales's cancer diagnosis will have resonated with the many millions of people who have to deal with the same shock for themselves or a loved one.

Writing for the Independent, Sarah Davidson describes the challenging experience of sharing such devastating news with her children.

"I’ve just heard the news that Kate has cancer. I really do feel for her. Right now, I can imagine exactly how she’s feeling – and I’d be willing to bet she’ll be experiencing a lot of conflicting emotions. I felt it was a bit like grief, as well as anger, denial, upset and constant questioning.

I’m 48 and I was diagnosed with breast cancer the day before we heard that King Charles had cancer, last month. It suddenly felt like cancer was everywhere. I thought I knew quite a lot about it, but it turns out that I didn’t – and if Kate is anything like me, she’ll be moving between denial (feeling like it’s some kind of awful soap opera) to wanting to read enough to be able to ask the right questions.

Read the full piece here.

The head of Cancer Research UK has said the Princess of Wales must be given “time and space” as she continues to undergo treatment for cancer.

Chief executive Michelle Mitchell said she wished Kate a “full, swift recovery and return to good health… during this difficult time”.

“Nearly one in two of us will develop cancer during our lifetimes, but many more are affected when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer,” she said. “Thanks to research there is hope – cancer survival has doubled in the last 50 years.

“High-profile cancer cases often act as a prompt to encourage people to find out more or think about their own health.

“If people spot something that’s not normal for them or isn’t going away, they should check with their GP.”

In a statement posted on social media, Macmillan Cancer Support said: “We are sending our best wishes to Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales.

“We hear from people all over the country, every day going through the experience the Princess has described, and our thoughts are also with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and their children. Many families will be sending solidarity to them.”

"The unflinchingly brave and dignified message from the Princess of Wales was hard to watch, and must have been especially sobering for the millions around the world who have speculated so wildly about her absence from public view since Christmas Day.

"Everything that has been said or written or posted online about Kate has been wrong. All the US talk show host gags, the jokes about Obama flying over to find her, the Kardashian Instagram posts, are not so funny now. They are, or should be, a matter of deep personal shame, a sentiment I share.

"This is, I suggest, a lesson to us all, and one that I will take to heart very closely after I wrote a column for this paper only yesterday, picking apart the Palace’s poor press strategy when it came to the Princess of Wales. What terrible timing."

Read Rachel Johnson's full piece in the Evening Standard, here.

After weeks of speculation about her condition, the Princess of Wales has revealed she is receiving preventative chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer.

On Friday:-

• Kate revealed she has cancer in emotional video message

• The Princess said her cancer was discovered only after she underwent major abdominal surgery at The London Clinic, and on the advice of her medical team she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy

• In the message, filmed on Wednesday by BBC Studios at Windsor and released on Friday, she said she wanted it to keep her diagnosis private so she could tell her three children at the right time

• Kate said the diagnosis was a huge shock, but told the nation: "I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits"

• It remains unclear when she will return to public duties. Kate said: “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."

• The King is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did” and remains in the “closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law”, Buckingham Palace said

• In a statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”

• Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Princess of Wales has “the love and support of the whole country”.

• Kate's brother James Middleton sent an emotional message to his sibling, sharing a picture of them as children as he said she has the support of her family

It is not the news any mother should have to deliver to her young children, let alone a nation. But the Princess of Wales, who has faced more than anyone could reasonably be expected to bear over the past few months, did so with a brave face and a voice that, nonetheless, broke just a little.

From a park bench in Windsor, where she lives with her husband and three young children, the Princess told the watching world that she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

She is “going to be OK”, she said. In words she will have repeated to reassure 10-year-old Prince George, eight-year-old Charlotte, and five-year-old Louis time and again since they learnt what the word cancer means, she is “well and getting stronger every day”.

Read the full story, from the Telegraph, here.

World leaders joined in support for the Princes of Wales.

As well as a message from the White House, Kate received well-wishes from French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.

In a post on X, Macron said the Princess of Wales’s “strength and resilience inspire us all”.

He wrote: “Your Highness, In this difficult period you are going through, Brigitte and I wish you a full recovery. Your strength and resilience inspire us all.”

Trudeau wrote: "My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, her children, and the entire Royal Family following the news of her cancer so courageously shared.

"On behalf of Canadians, I’m sending my support as she undergoes treatment. We’re all wishing her a swift recovery.”

Kate is the second in her family to be diagnosed with cancer, but the outlook for chemotherapy is better than it has ever been.

It's the news no one wants to hear, and following on from her father-in-law's own diagnosis, Kate's cancer would have been a hammer blow for the Princess of Wales and her family.

Here is the full story, from Sky News.

The White House wished the Princes of Wales a "full recovery", dedicating time at the start of Friday's press briefing to Kate's announcement of her cancer diagnosis.

Addressing the news, which broke moments before the conference began, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: “Our thoughts are with the Duchess of Cambridge and her family members and friends during this incredibly difficult time, and certainly we wish her a full recovery. I think it’s important that we respect their privacy, especially at this time. so I’m not going to go further than that.”

She added: “I know folks are going to ask whether the president has spoken to her or the family. I can just say right now that we don’t have anything to share at this time, but obviously we wish the Duchess of Cambridge a full recovery and we are incredibly sad to hear of the news.

“We are taking this in, this terrible news, as all of you are, and so we don’t just have anything to share we want to make sure that we certainly respect their privacy at this incredibly difficult time, not just for her but her family.

“Obviously we we wish the Duchess of Cambridge, a full recovery, and we are incredibly sad to hear of the news.”

Kate's brother-in-law Harry and his wife Meghan sent their well-wishes to her following her announcement.

In a statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, said: "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace."

Harry visited his father after he was diagnosed with cancer, and has since told how he "jumped on a plane" as soon as possible.

When the Prince of Wales unexpectedly pulled out of attending a memorial service for his godfather King Constantine of Greece last month, there was widespread speculation it was connected to the death of Thomas Kingston, the husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor.

It has now emerged that the unspecified “personal reason” given for his absence from St George’s Chapel in Windsor on Feb 27 was that his wife had recently received a cancer diagnosis.

Read the full story, from the Telegraph, here.

Support poured in for Kate following her announcement on Friday evening.

Well-wishers released statements via social media from across the world, including high-profile figures from television, sport and charities.

Author and podcast host Giovanna Fletcher - whose parenting podcast Kate appeared on in 2020 - sent the Princess of Wales and her family “so much love from me and mine”.

Fletcher wrote on Instagram: “Sending you and the family so much love from me and mine. Take all the time you need knowing there’s so much love and respect behind you.”

TV presenter Kirstie Allsop shared Kate's message on X, writing: "An example to us all, a beautiful mother, wife & daughter and campaigner for children & families. We are so lucky to have her as our princess. God Bless HRH The Princess of Wales."

Meanwhile former Love Island contestant Dr Alex, now a TV doctor campaigning on mental health issues who hosted a panel discussion with William and Kate last year, was among those wishing Kate a “speedy recovery”.

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly wrote on X: "Sending love - brave woman. Shame on all of the trolls who were vile to her."

Tennis player Billie Jean King wrote: "Sending our love, support, and best wishes for a full and complete recovery to Catherine, The Princess of Wales."

The Princess of Wales wanted to wait until her children had finished school for the Easter break before making her cancer diagnosis public, it has been suggested.

In her video message, Kate said she had delayed her cancer announcement in order to tell her children at a time that was “right for them”, saying it had “taken us time” to explain the news to her children George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five, “in a way that was appropriate for them”.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, ITV News Royal editor Chris Ship - correcting a previous tweet - said the couple's children had been told before Friday.

He wrote: "Correction from me: George, Charlotte and Louis were told **before today. But William and Kate wanted them to finish school for the Easter break before making the cancer announcement public."

Kensington Palace said Kate wanted to share the information when she and William “felt it was right for them as a family”.

The Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis via a video message, filmed at Windsor earlier in the week.

The video, in which the princess appears alone, dressed casually, and sitting on a bench, was filmed by BBC Studios.

In it, she explains her diagnosis and treatment, as well as explaining that the family have taken their time to ensure they put their children first.

She also asked for time to heal and undergo treatment, and sent a message of support to cancer patients everywhere.

In a post on Instagram, Kate's brother James Middleton, 36, shared an image of the siblings together as children.

He wrote: "Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too ⛰️❤️"

Kate's younger brother has revealed previously how close the siblings are, telling the Telegraph that both her and their sister Pippa had supported him through depression, including going to therapy with him.

"That was so important because that helped them understand me and how my mind was working," he said at the time.

The mother of Tony Hudgell has sent her love to the Princess of Wales, describing telling children about a cancer diagnosis as “the hardest part”.

Paula Hudgell, who last met Kate on a visit to the Evelina London Children’s Hospital in Lambeth, central London, with adoptive son Tony, in December, described how she faced a similar challenge two years ago when she was told she had bowel cancer.

She said: “There is nothing more important than your family and trying to come to terms with it. I know only too well having been diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago.

“That was the hardest part of it, telling your children that you have cancer. It’s just the fear of not being there for your children.”

Here is the full story, from PA Media.

The Princess of Wales's video message announcing her cancer diagnosis was filmed on Wednesday by BBC Studios and it is understood that no edits were made to it.

In a statement, BBC Studios said: “BBC Studios filmed a message from the Princess of Wales at Windsor this week. We would like to wish Her Royal Highness a speedy recovery.”

It is understood the production team were asked to film the message after working on broadcasts of the King’s coronation and the late Queen’s funeral.

According to its website, BBC Studios, the principal commercial arm of the BBC group, is responsible for generating revenue and profits which are returned to the BBC to support the licence fee.

The PA news agency said it understands BBC Studios made no edits to the recording, had no editorial input into the message and were not involved in the finished film’s distribution.

The video address to the nation comes after days of speculation after a “manipulated” photo of the princess with her children was posted on social media then later withdrawn with a “Kill” notice by international picture agencies because of suspicions it had been digitally altered.

A leading oncologist said the Princess of Wales is “so brave” for speaking about her cancer diagnosis ahead of more “difficult” treatment.

Professor Pat Price, chair of Radiotherapy UK, said “fear of the unknown” can be the “worst thing” for those who find out they have the disease.

She told BBC News: “She is amazing. She’s got to go through some more treatment which will be difficult. Once (cancer) is caught early, that’s usually when we can cure it.”

Prof Price added: “(The royal family) needs to be given time and space. It might sound wrong to say, but there can be some good and really positive things that come out of this… in terms of understanding.

“It’s a positive message… I really hope she will be OK."

Kate's announcement on Friday revealed that she is undergoing 'preventative chemotherapy' treatment for an undisclosed cancer diagnosis.

She said she is in the early stages of the treatment after it was advised by her medical team, but a lot remains unknown about the princess's specific diagnosis and treatment plan.

Here's what to know about preventative chemotherapy from from Yahoo News.

The Princess of Wales’s announcement marks the latest blow to the royal family over the past year, including the King also being diagnosed with the disease.

Charles was admitted to hospital in January, just days after Kate, also for a procedure deemed unrelated to cancer.

In February, Buckingham Palace confirmed that he had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, which is not prostate cancer, that was discovered while the King was being treated at the private London Clinic for an enlarged prostate.

The King has postponed public-facing duties but is said to be continuing to work behind the scenes on his red boxes – his state business and official papers.

During a visit to Northern Ireland this week, the Queen said the King is “doing very well”.

In addition, Sarah, Duchess of York, revealed a diagnosis of malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, earlier this year.

It was her second cancer diagnosis within a year, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer which led to her undergoing a mastectomy and subsequent reconstructive surgery.

She had discovered an early form of breast cancer during a routine mammogram screening.

Here is a full timeline of the royal family's recent health scares, from PA Media.

In a statement Buckingham Palace said: “His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’.

“Following their time in hospital together, HM has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.’

“Both Their Majesties ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.”

The Princess of Wales's statement comes after weeks of speculation around her condition.

She has been absent from public duties since she was admitted to hospital on 16 January, for what the palace described as planned abdominal surgery.

At the time, the palace said she would be “unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter”.

Here is the series of events that led up to the Princess’s announcement and every statement about the Princess’s health.

Read the full story from the Telegraph.

Politicians united in messages of support for the Princess of Wales following her announcement.

As Rishi Sunak praised Kate's “tremendous bravery”, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the she had “the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too” during this “distressing time”.

Starmer criticised “lurid speculation” about Kate's condition as he stressed that she was entitled to privacy as she continues her treatment.

He said in a statement: “Any cancer diagnosis is shocking. But I can only imagine the added stress of receiving that news amid the lurid speculation we’ve seen in recent weeks. Their Royal Highnesses are entitled to privacy and, like any parents, will have waited to choose the right moment to tell their children.

“I am heartened by The Princess of Wales’ optimistic tone and her message of faith and hope. Her Royal Highness will be in our thoughts and prayers as she progresses through her treatment with the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan posted on X: “On behalf of Londoners, I wish the Princess of Wales a swift recovery as she undergoes treatment. My thoughts are with her & her family. Cancer has an impact on so many of us – & her bravery in sharing her diagnosis will help raise awareness & encourage others to get checked.”

Former prime minister Liz Truss said the “entire country” will be wishing the Princess of Wales a speedy recovery, writing on X: "The entire country will be wishing her a full and speedy recovery."

The Princess of Wales delayed her cancer announcement in order to tell her children at a time that was “right for them”.

In her video message, Kate said it had “taken us time” to explain the news to her children George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five, “in a way that was appropriate for them”.

Kensington Palace said Kate wanted to share the information when she and her husband the Prince of Wales “felt it was right for them as a family”.

Read the full story from PA Media.

This is the video shared by the Princess of Wales, in which she announced she is undergoing treatment for cancer.

Kate used her announcement to urge anyone facing cancer not to “lose faith or hope”, telling others dealing with the disease: “You are not alone”.

In her message, she said: “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.”

After the announcement last month that the King had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, Buckingham Palace explained that he chose to share the news to “assist public understanding” for those around the world affected by the disease.