Catherine, Princess of Wales visits The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, Britain.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Catherine, Princess of Wales, said on Tuesday she was “in remission” from cancer after she and husband Prince William visited the specialist London hospital where she was treated.

“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery,” the princess posted on Instagram, alongside a picture of her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital.

The couple thanked staff and met patients at the specialist cancer centre operating across three sites in the capital.

“I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year,” Ms. Catherine wrote on Instagram.

“My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.

“We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional,” she added.

The visit came as Kensington Palace announced that the couple had become the hospital’s joint patrons.

As patrons, members of the royal family support over 3,000 organisations such as charities and hospitals by highlighting their work through visits.

“In my new role as joint patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer,” said the princess.

The visit was said to be “incredibly poignant” for the princess, also known as Kate, who turned 43 last week.

The future queen, whose popularity is seen as key to maintaining the royals’ position in a changing Britain, revealed last March she had been diagnosed with an unspecified cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy.

‘Much to look forward to’

“The princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world leading care and treatment the Marsden provides,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson said.

It is the first time the royal family has given any information about where Ms. Catherine was treated.

She announced in September that she had completed a course of chemotherapy and was doing her best to remain “cancer free”.

She reflected on her diagnosis in a video message at the same time that showed her relaxing in the countryside with William, who is heir to the throne, and her three children Prince George 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis.

“Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown,” she said, adding the previous nine months had been “incredibly tough”.

She wrote on Tuesday that “as anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal”.

“I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to.”

Ms. Catherine’s diagnosis came just weeks after the UK’s head of state King Charles III revealed he too was receiving treatment for cancer.

Both have since made a return to public life, although Catherine’s has been more limited.

The Royal Marsden opened its doors in 1851 as the world’s first hospital dedicated to cancer treatment and research.

London:

Catherine, Princess of Wales, turned 43 on Thursday, with her husband Prince William praising her “strength” fighting cancer during the past year.

Kate, as she is widely known, revealed last March that she had been diagnosed with an unspecified cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy.

The announcement came weeks after her father-in-law, Britain’s head of state King Charles III, disclosed that he too was receiving treatment for cancer.

Both withdrew from public life for months in 2024 but have since returned to royal duties, on a more limited scale for Kate.

Charles, 76, is reportedly continuing his treatment while Kate said in September that she had finished a course of chemotherapy but that her “path to healing and full recovery is long”.

Kensington Palace has not said where the princess would mark the start of her 44th year.

She usually spends it in Norfolk, eastern England, with her children — Prince George 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis — and her husband, who is heir to the throne.

Posting a photo of a smiling Kate on social media Thursday, William addressed his birthday message “to the most incredible wife and mother”.

“The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you,” he wrote.

Charles’s Buckingham Palace X account also posted “happy birthday to the Princess of Wales” and shared a photo of Kate smiling.

She and William are set to make more appearances together in 2025 as they eye a return to normality, with William suggesting that an overseas trip may even be on the cards.

The princess has not taken part in an official foreign visit since she attended the Rugby World Cup in France in October 2023.

She first resumed royal duties in October, visiting Southport in northwest England to meet people affected by a knife attack that killed three young girls three months earlier.

In November, she appeared at two remembrance events over consecutive days for Britons killed in the world wars and other conflicts, before also attending the Emir of Qatar’s state visit to Britain in December.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

London:

Prince William has described the past year in which his wife Catherine and his father, Britain’s head of state King Charles III, each battled cancer as “brutal” and probably the “hardest” of his life.

The heir to the British throne was speaking to reporters on Thursday at the end of a four-day visit to South Africa for his Earthshot prize initiative.

Buckingham Palace in February announced that Charles, 75, had been diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer and would withdraw from public life to undergo treatment.

The following month his daughter-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, revealed that she too had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy.

“Honestly, it’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life,” William said.

“So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.”

Both Charles and Catherine have since made limited returns to public duties, although Charles is still undergoing treatment.

Catherine said in September that she had completed her chemotherapy and was looking forward to undertaking more engagements “when I can”.

“I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done,” William added.

“But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal,” he said.

This year’s awards ceremony for William’s Earthshot prize was held in Cape Town on Wednesday.

The initiative honours projects seeking novel solutions to the challenges facing the world’s nature and climate.

William is also committed to a five-year programme, Homewards, launched by his philanthropic foundation to tackle homelessness in the UK.

When told he appeared relaxed, William said he “couldn’t be less relaxed this year”.

“It’s more a case of just crack on and you’ve got to keep going,” he said.

“I enjoy my work and I enjoy pacing myself, and keeping sure that I have got time for my family too,” he added.

In addition to health problems, the royal family has this year faced continuing tensions surrounding William’s estranged brother Harry.

Harry’s ties with his family have been increasingly fraught since he and wife Meghan quit royal life and moved to California in 2020.

William and Harry used to be close — a bond that was forged with the death of their mother Princess Diana in 1997. But according to British media reports, they have not spoken to each other in two years.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, front, Princess Charlotte and Prince George arrive for the ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, London, on June 15, 2024.
| Photo Credit: AP

Kate, Britain’s Princess of Wales, made her first public appearance on Saturday since surgery five months ago revealed the presence of cancer.

Kate, wearing a pale outfit, rode in a carriage with her children at the “Trooping the Colour”, an annual military parade held in central London to mark the official birthday of the British monarch, King Charles.

In recognition of her growing role within the royal family, King Charles bestowed a new title upon Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales. She will now also be known as The Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour. This prestigious honour coincides with the birthday of her youngest son, Prince Louis, who turns six today. The palace released a new portrait to mark the occasion.

King Charles revealed that he gave the princess the honour to recognise the “esteem [in which] she is held”.

This distinguished title, awarded on St. George’s Day, recognizes her contributions alongside fellow recipients like J.K. Rowling and Sir Elton John, The Independent reported.

On a day of royal honours, Prince William was named Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, and Camilla, the Queen Consort, received the Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.  

These celebrations come amidst a challenging time for the royal family, as both the Princess and King Charles are battling cancer.

The Princess’s diagnosis has required her to take a complete leave of public duty while she undergoes preventative chemotherapy. News of her health situation first emerged in January, when the palace announced a planned abdominal surgery and a recovery period extending through Easter.

Following months of speculation, the Princess of Wales announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer. 

The news of her diagnosis came just months after King Charles’s cancer diagnosis. 

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, on Friday, said that she has been diagnosed with cancer. The Princess added that she is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy. In a video message, released on X (formerly Twitter) by the Kensington Palace, Kate Middleton added she is in the “early stages of that treatment.”

A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024

Read the full text of her video message here:

I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery. It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

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. 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.

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.

As you can imagine, this has taken time. 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 am going to 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 spirit.

Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.

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.

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.

Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, revealed that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer in a personal video message released by Kensington Palace on Friday. She revealed that her condition was non-cancerous at the time of her surgery, but post-surgery tests “found cancer had been present.” The Princess underwent surgery on January 17.

What type of cancer has Kate Middleton been diagnosed with?

Kate Middleton’s exact form of cancer has not been specified. Various diagnostic tests, including blood tests, scans, and biopsies, were likely performed to detect the cancer, although details have not been revealed. Biopsy involves examining a small tissue sample under a microscope to identify abnormal cells.

Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, described the Princess’ cancer diagnosis as “shocking” but commended her for speaking out about it. “Speaking out about it is really brave and it can help others to get worrying signs and symptoms checked.”

Kate Middleton undergoing preventative chemotherapy

Upon medical advice, the Princess of Wales is undergoing preventive chemotherapy, a treatment aimed at killing cancer cells and stopping them from spreading. She stated she is in the early stages of the treatment, which began in late February after her abdominal surgery in January. The duration of her treatment will depend on ongoing medical advice and her response to the treatment.

Kate Middleton focused on recovery

Despite going through a tough time, Kate Middleton shared in her video message that she was feeling positive and was focused on recovering. “I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits,” she said, adding that she was looking forward to working but now “must focus on making a full recovery”. 

Both King Charles and Kate Middleton were diagnosed with cancer after being treated for other health issues. King Charles underwent a procedure for a prostate enlargement, during which they found a form of cancer. Similarly, the Princess of Wales discovered she had cancer after undergoing abdominal surgery in January. However, the details of why she needed surgery have not been disclosed by Kensington Palace.

Kate, Princess of Wales. File
| Photo Credit: AP

Police have been asked to look at claims that at least one worker attempted to access the confidential medical records of Catherine, Princess of Wales during her hospitalisation for abdominal surgery, a minister said on Wednesday.

The request follows a report in the Daily Mirror newspaper which said at least one attempt was made to access the private information at The London Clinic, a private hospital in central London.

Catherine, who is widely known as Kate and whose husband is heir to the throne Prince William, spent two weeks there in January.

Details of her condition have not been released but her Kensington Palace office previously said it was not cancer-related and that the princess wished her personal medical information to remain private.

Health minister Maria Caulfield said the rules on accessing patient information were “very, very clear”.

“Unless you’re looking after that patient, or unless they’ve given you their consent, you should not be looking at patients’ notes,” she told LBC radio.

“My understanding is that police have been asked to look at it,” she said.

A statement from London’s Metropolitan Police said it was “not aware of any referral… at this time”.

Data ‘breach’ reported

The U.K.’s data protection watchdog meanwhile said it would examine the matter.

“We can confirm that we have received a breach report and are assessing the information provided,” a spokesperson for the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said late on Tuesday.

In a statement to the Mirror, The London Clinic said: “We firmly believe that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information.”

Kate was at the centre of controversy last week after she admitted editing an official portrait of her and her three children that was released by Buckingham Palace on Mothering Sunday.

It further stoked online speculation about her health and whereabouts after she had not been seen at a public event since a Christmas Day church service.

The palace had said in January she would require a lengthy recuperation and would not return to royal duties until at least April.

But instead of calming fears over her health, the edited picture sent the rumour mill into overdrive as media scrambled to pull the picture.

Catherine apologised but faced criticism even from usually supportive media.

British media have said that Catherine is still not due to return to public duties until mid-April.

Prince William recently talked about missing his wife, Kate Middleton, during a royal even in Sheffield, England, on Tuesday. During his speech, Prince William’s focus turned to the well-being of young children, making a light-hearted comment about his wife’s work on early childhood projects. “Venturing into my wife’s territory here. She needs to be sat here to hear this,” he said and smiled. 

 

During another interaction at the event, well-wisher Peter Brownley, 61, mentioned sending the Princess of Wales a ‘get well soon’ card. To this, Prince William replied, “You really are very kind,” according to Daily Mail.

Prince William had also mentioned his wife at a youth centre on March 14 after someone praised his cookies decorating skills. The Prince had modestly replied, “It’s really not impressive work. My wife is the arty one. My children are artier than I am.”

Kate Middleton has not been officially seen in public since Kensington Palace announced her planned abdominal surgery in January. The Prince’s visit came shortly after a video went viral allegedly showing the royal couple walking near their home at Windsor Farm Shop. 

Earlier, Kate posted a photo with her three children for Mother’s Day, but it was soon taken down by news agencies like AP, AFP, and Reuters which suspected that it was doctored. This sparked more speculation about her absence and led to conspiracy theories on the Internet. 

To clear up confusion, the Princess of Wales seemingly signed a statement shared on the official X account of the Prince and Princess of Wales, addressing concerns about the picture being photoshopped. “Like many amateur photographers, I do occassional 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 statement read, signed “C.” 

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. C

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 11, 2024

Meanwhile, recent reports suggest that the Princess is set to make an official public appearance during Easter.

London:

Speculation surrounding the public absence of Catherine, Princess of Wales, has transitioned from a mere fascination among royal enthusiasts to a global phenomenon, igniting a plethora of theories and jokes across various social platforms, CNN reported.

Despite assurances from Kensington Palace regarding her planned abdominal surgery in January and subsequent withdrawal from public appearances until March, peculiar details such as grainy photographs, altered images, ambiguous medical updates, and sporadic communication from the British royal family have fueled widespread conjecture.

Catherine’s prolonged absence has spurred TikTok and X users to delve into a realm of bizarre conspiracy theories and humour, blurring the lines between genuine concern and comedic speculation.

Amateur detectives have meticulously crafted timelines and analyses of the princess’s activities, intertwining genuine apprehension with outlandish conjectures. Ordinary individuals, doubling as amateur photo forensics experts, have cast doubt on recent images of Kate, hypothesising about her true whereabouts and those purportedly attempting to conceal the “truth,” as reported by CNN.

Initially, the discourse surrounding Catherine’s absence elicited typical jests from the online comedy circuit, with suggestions ranging from whimsical notions of cosmetic procedures to humorous scenarios of personal reinvention.

However, the tone shifted markedly when a Mother’s Day photo featuring the princess and her children was suspected of being doctored, prompting a cascade of skepticism from typically supportive British media outlets and even international television programs, which openly ridiculed the unfolding saga.

Despite the mounting scrutiny and myriad jokes permeating social media platforms, Catherine has remained conspicuously absent from public view since December, intensifying public interest and speculation surrounding her circumstances. The ensuing uproar, rife with theories, analyses, jokes, and genuine concern, underscores the diverse ways in which people engage with and perceive the royal family.

The allure of palace intrigue is undeniable, drawing enthusiasts from across the globe to dissect every facet of royal life. Susan Graves, a UK expatriate residing in the US, reminisces about the aftermath of Princess Diana’s passing and the subsequent scandals, noting a perpetual fascination with the monarchy’s intricate dynamics.

Carly Wainsworth, an American immersed in royal gossip communities, likens the experience to solving a real-life mystery, emphasising the allure of uncovering secrets lurking beneath the surface.

Indeed, contemporary portrayals of the royal family in popular media, exemplified by productions such as “The Crown,” have reshaped public perception, fostering an atmosphere of skepticism and intrigue. Wainsworth, echoing a sentiment shared by many, harbors a perpetual suspicion towards individuals in positions of power, perpetuating a cycle of speculation and intrigue.

Amidst the fervent speculation, online communities such as “where TF is Kate Middleton” on X have flourished, attracting thousands of members eager to partake in the speculative frenzy. While some engage earnestly in unraveling the mystery, others indulge in lighthearted banter and imaginative scenarios, blurring the boundaries between fact and fiction, according to the CNN report.

As Catherine’s absence persists, media outlets have become increasingly emboldened in their speculation, with entertainment programs openly dissecting rumors surrounding the princess’s personal life.

Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show, encapsulates the conflicted sentiments pervading public discourse, oscillating between genuine concern for Catherine’s well-being and a voracious appetite for scandalous revelations.

However, amidst the clamour for answers, official communication from Kensington Palace remains inconsistent, further exacerbating tensions and fuelling conspiracy theories. Mark Borkowski, a crisis communications expert, highlights the detrimental impact of the royal family’s reticence in addressing rumours and providing transparent updates, exacerbating public skepticism and eroding trust.

While calls for privacy and rational explanations persist, the enduring fascination with the royal family underscores their enduring relevance as national figureheads. In a world where visibility is paramount, the British royals wield soft power through public engagements and symbolic gestures, captivating audiences and perpetuating a cycle of intrigue.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Catherine, Princess of Wales, epitomises the enduring allure of monarchy, transcending borders and captivating imaginations with its blend of mystery, scandal, and tradition, CNN reported.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)