Inside Princess Kate’s cancer recovery, from chemotherapy to Prince William’s heartache
The Princess of Wales melted hearts last Sunday after she made a new appearance alongside her husband, Prince William, in a sweet video to congratulate Team GB at the Olympic Games.
Princess Kate looked radiant in the clip as she said: “From all of us watching at home, congratulations to Team GB.”
This was her third public appearance this year following the announcement of her cancer diagnosis back in March.
Previously, the future Queen attended King Charles’s Trooping the Colour celebrations in June and the Wimbledon finals in July.Takes a look at Princess Kate’s updates since her shock diagnosis announcement as the royal still bravely battles her illness.
January – Kensington Palace announces bombshell abdominal surgery
On January 17, Kensington Palace shocked the world after it issued a statement confirming Kate had undergone abdominal surgery at The London Clinic in Marylebone the day before.
It read: “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery.
“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 future Queen stayed in hospital for around two weeks before being officially discharged on January 29 and returning home to Windsor to recuperate.
A Kensington Palace spokesman had said: “The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress.
March – The Princess of Wales announces shock cancer diagnosis
Updates on the princess’s health were sparse up until March when Kate appeared in a bombshell video message and bravely announced to the world that she had been diagnosed with a type of cancer.
She said the news came as a huge shock and explained that it has taken some time to process the news as well as explain everything to her and Prince William’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The full extent of Kate’s condition has never been revealed, with the future queen only saying she underwent abdominal surgery, after which cancer was found to be “present”.
The Princess of Wales said she is receiving preventative chemotherapy, adding that she needs time, space, and privacy to complete her treatment and make a full recovery.
She thanked the nation for “all the wonderful messages of support” and their “understanding” and appeared to spread a message of positivity as she added: “I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.
June – Princess Kate issues second health update as she confirms Trooping the Colour appearance
Three months later, the Princess of Wales opened up about her cancer battle in an incredibly open and honest message confirming that she would be making her first public appearance since her diagnosis at the Trooping the Colour on June 15.
Kate said that she is making “good progress” and has “good days and bad days” while she continues to undergo preventative chemotherapy, explaining that during the latter she is left “weak and tired”.
But she said that when she is well enough she can focus on the things that give her joy.
The Princess said: “My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.”
Kate drove royal fans into a frenzy when the next day she joined her husband and children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the King’s birthday parade in London.
July – Princess Kate makes second public appearance as she attends Wimbledon
Much to the delight of royal fans, the Princess of Wales made another public appearance at the Wimbledon finals last month.
Kate received a standing ovation at the prestigious tennis championships before she handed Carlos Alcaraz the trophy after the men’s final at the All England Club.
The future Queen was joined by her daughter, Princess Charlotte as they waved to the crowds.
August – Princess Kate makes surprise appearance in sweet video for the 2024 Olympic Games
Princess Kate made a surprise appearance in a sweet video for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Kate joined William in what appeared to be their Norfolk home, where they are likely to be relaxing during their summer holidays, to praise Team GB as the Paris Olympic Games came to a close.
Kate was all smiles and dressed casually as she congratulated the British team.
Prince William’s heartache as the royals are faced with health issues
The Prince of Wales has been a pillar of strength and support for Kate as the family go through this latest battle together but according to one royal expert, he was “devastated” after he heard the shocking news of his wife’s illness so shortly after his father, King Charles’s own shock cancer diagnosis.
The monarch announced he had been diagnosed with a type of cancer late in February.
Royal biographer Robert Jobson told US Weekly that the heir to the throne was was “completely crestfallen” after hearing the sad news.
He said: “It was devastating for him [William].”
The prince has been undertaking many engagements while supporting his family at the same time.
He was beaming as he proudly stood next to his wife during Trooping the Colour, as well as during their latest video togather.
When will Princess Kate return to royal duties?
While the Princess of Wales may have briefly returned to public life, it by no way means a return to a full schedule of public engagements, it is understood.
Royal sources have said that the Princess will attend events as and when she feels able to, with the support of her medical team.
In the meantime, the Palace has continuously asked for the family’s privacy to be respected.
