Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is anticipated to avoid public appearances for the remainder of the year as she undergoes preventive chemotherapy. Royal sources and friends have confirmed that Kate is being supported closely by her birth family following a cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
The news has come as a significant development for the royal family, with Kate, 42, revealing in a video message on March 22, 2024, that she is undergoing preventive chemotherapy after cancer was detected following abdominal surgery in January. Initially believed to be non-cancerous, subsequent tests revealed the presence of cancer. Kate has not disclosed the specific type of cancer she is battling.
A source told The Daily Beast, “Kate has no scheduled engagements for this year, with no plans for public appearances. She might remain out of sight for the entire year.” The source added, “Event planners need to be aware of the principals’ schedules well in advance.”
Kate and her family are expected to spend next week, a school holiday, at Anmer Hall, their country home on the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, England. The privacy of Anmer Hall offers a tranquil environment for Kate’s recovery. Her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton are expected to join them. “They are a very close-knit family, and Catherine trusts them completely,” a family friend said. “They have supported her for years and never let her down.”
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, has also been given time off from his royal duties to focus on his family during this difficult time. A friend of the couple stated, “The most important thing for her now is to avoid stress and focus on recovery. They plan to head to Sandringham after the school break starts.”
Kate’s last public appearance was five months ago, and her absence has led to a surge in conspiracy theories and speculation about her health. To address these rumors, a source suggested that another video message updating the country on her health might be considered. “The video message was very effective in quelling conspiracy theories,” the source noted.
In her March video message, Kate expressed her appreciation for her medical team and the public’s support. “It has been an incredibly tough few months for our family, but I’ve had an excellent medical team who have taken great care of me, and I am very grateful,” Kate said. She also encouraged fellow cancer sufferers, saying, “Please do not lose faith or hope; you are not alone.”
Kensington Palace has maintained that Kate is on a “recovery pathway” and is “well and getting stronger every day.” However, her office has declined to comment on when she might return to public duties or if she is working from home. A senior royal aide told the media, “She will return to work when she has had the green light from doctors.”
Kate and William’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, are reportedly being informed about their mother’s condition age-appropriately. “We have taken time to explain the situation to our three children,” Kate said in her video message.
The royal family has emphasized the importance of privacy during this time. “The Princess is continuing her recovery at home. She continues to need the space and time to prioritize her privacy, as she said in her video,” a courtier told The Daily Beast.
As the public waits for further updates on Kate’s health, the focus remains on her recovery and the support she receives from her family. The Middleton family’s unwavering support and the protective community around them play a crucial role in Kate’s journey to recovery.
