Kate Middleton cancer: Princess of Wales' battle is 'becoming more & more difficult' while children are kept in the dark

Kate Middleton's battle with cancer is reportedly becoming "more and more difficult" by the day as the Princess of Wales suffers from exhaustion, nausea and other gruelling effects of her treatment.

 According to a media report, Kate is having to put on a brave face in front of her family. She is going to "great lengths to hide" the discomfort she has been feeling — "especially from the children" who are unaware of her cancer diagnosis.

Unfortunately, it's becoming more and more difficult," the National Enquirer was told.

A high-level royal courtier told a media outlet that Kate and William are "going through hell behind palace walls," as both the Princess and her father-in-law King Charles battle cancer.

The report said that the intensive treatments to wipe out cancer are now starting to take a "terrible toll" on Kate, and claimed that the Princess is dealing with hair and weight loss.

William is stepping up in every way he can for his father and wife, the report citing source said, revealing he has often thought of what it's like to lose a mother at a young age after the 1997 death of his mother, Princess Diana, following a car crash in Paris.

"He's trying to be [Kate's] rock while also taking care of the kids and still performing official duties. This is uncharted territory for them both."

The royal courtier added, "He's been cutting back on travel and doing more remote engagements, making it clear Kate and the children come first."

According to insiders of the royal family, Kate has been handling the treatments like a "warrior" and taking all the time she needs to rest and recover.

Kate made her cancer diagnosis public via a video on March 22. She was diagnosed with cancer after an abdominal surgery in January. 

The cancer is reportedly not connected with the surgery. The type of cancer, nevertheless, has not been disclosed. In the message, she had said that she is undergoing "preventive" chemotherapy.

The abdominal surgery Kate Middleton underwent in January this year was reportedly performed by a team of Italian doctors who had once operated on Pope Francis.

According to the Italian publication 'Gente', this distinguished team of specialists was flown into London for the high-stake operation of the Princess of Wales, a mother of three. The operation also led to Kate's cancer diagnosis.

Kate's abdominal surgery was performed by doctors from a renowned clinic in Rome – Gemelli Clinic.

The medical experts from the Gemelli Clinic reportedly flew to a London clinic to attend to the Princess of the British royal family, which typically relies on their cadre of medical experts. 

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, stepped away from public duties after announcing on March 22 that she had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. In a video message, she said she had begun chemotherapy.

The news came after King Charles III, her father-in-law, announced his own cancer diagnosis. Charles returned to public-facing duties last week after Buckingham Palace said doctors were encouraged by his progress, even as his treatment continues.

How is Kate Middleton doing now?

On Friday, Prince William shared a health update on his wife Kate, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. In a rare comment, the Prince said Catherine is “doing well". 

According to the Associated Press, Prince William offered a positive assessment of his wife's health to a hospital administrator.

William was on a tour of St. Mary’s Community Hospital on the Isles of Scilly. He visited the region to break ground for a new building that will include inpatient treatment beds and a maternity suite.

The hospital administrator Tracy Smith said, “I asked William about his wife Kate and he said, 'she's doing well, thanks'."

"And I suggested they might like to come for a visit and bring the children," the administrator was quoted as saying.

What is the latest with Kate Middleton's cancer treatment? Everything to know

William, Prince of Wales, shared a brief update on the former Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis.

During a visit to St. Mary’s Community Hospital in the U.K. on May 10, he spoke with a hospital administrator about the health of his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales.

“I asked William about his wife Kate and he said, ‘She’s doing well, thanks,’” hospital administrator Tracy Smith told reporters, according to the Associated Press. 

William doesn't often comment on how his wife is doing since she shared in late March that she was diagnosed with cancer. She's remained largely out of the public eye since.

Here's what we know about her cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis

The princess of Wales said that she was in the “early stages” of  preventive chemotheraphy after being diagnosed with cancer, she announced March 22, 2024, in a video statement. She did not specify the kind of cancer.

The diagnosis came after Kate underwent major abdominal surgery in January. “At the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous," she said in the video. "The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.”

Kate’s video marked her first address since the abdominal surgery.

Kate added that the news of her cancer diagnosis came as a “huge shock,” noting that she and William were aiming to “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,” she said. “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.”

The princess assured viewers in the video that she is “well and getting stronger every day.” She also asked for “time, space and privacy” as she undergoes treatment and said she is focused on making a “full recovery.”

Kate is the second member of the royal family to face significant health issues this year.

Buckingham Palace announced Feb. 5 that king Charles 111 diagnosed with prostate cancer after undergoing a procedure for benign prostate enlargement. The palacedid not specify what kind of cancer  but clarified it was not prostate cancer.

Kate Middleton's abdominal surgery

On Jan. 16, 2024, Kate underwent a planned abdominal surgery.

In the statement  released the following day, Kensington Palace wrote: “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 statement went on to say that it would only provide updates that were "significant" and to apologize on behalf of the princess, who had to postpone all upcoming engagements.

Catherine returned home to Windsor to continue to recover on Jan. 29, according to a palace statement, which added, "She is making good progress.”

At the time, a palace source told NBC News that she was expected to be recuperating for two to three months following the surgery.

“She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible,” the statement said.

A Kensington Palace source told NBC News in mid-January that William would be postponing appearances in the coming months and not conduct any official duties while his wife was in the hospital or immediately after she returned home.

For weeks after the surgery and before her cancer diagnosis was revealed, speculation, rumors and  conspiracy theories  swirled around the wellbeing of the future queen.

The palace has yet to reveal what the abdominal surgery was meant to address.

What type of cancer does Kate Middleton have?

In her video statement, the princess did not specify what kind of cancer she is undergoing treatment for. She shared that it was discovered after an abdominal surgery in January.

The most common types of cancer discovered through abdominal surgery are gastrointestinal, such as colon or stomach, or genital or urinary, Dr. Ben Ho Park, director of precision oncology at Vanderbilt School of Medicine, tells  Today.com, He was sure to point out, however, that “it could be anything.”

What is preventive chemotherapy?

Kate specified in her video that her treatment involves a course of preventative chemotheraphy  While not a clinical term, Park says preventive, technically called adjuvant chemotherapy, likely refers to a treatment that is conducted after any initial interventions, such as surgery, to prevent cancer from returning.

Clinical trials have found that chemotherapy after initial treatment, such as surgery, which Kate had, can reduce the risk of the cancer recurring, Park said.

“Even though the surgeons have removed everything they can see, there could still be cancer cells floating around in the body that, if left untreated, may come back later (and) is then incurable,” Park, who does not have details about Kate's specific condition, says.

Park said the purpose of preventive chemotherapy is “trying to maximize” the treatment a patient has already received to eliminate all of the cancer cells.

Preventive chemotherapy typically lasts between three and six months, Dr. Tara Narula, NBC medical contributor, said in a March 25 TODAY appearance.

“When we say the term ‘preventive,’ it sounds light and fluffy, but she may be going through a lot this time,” Narula notes. “This is not a walk in the park,” said Narula. Kate’s age might help her better tolerate treatment but that’s not a sure thing.

Will Kate be returning to her royal duties?

Catherine has not yet returned to her royal duties since announcing her cancer diagnosis.

When her diagnosis was revealed in March, the palace said in an official statement: “The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.”

A timeline of Kate Middleton's health

December 2023

The princess’s most recent public appearance with husband Prince William and their three children — George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and Louis, 5 — came in late 2023 during their annoal Christmas church outing  at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Sandringham, near one of the king’s royal estates.

January 2024

Kensington Palace announced that Kate had undergone “planned abdominal surgery” on Jan. 16.

William was by his wife’s bedside during a visit to the hospital on Jan. 18. Kate was discharged from London Clinic, a private hospital, on Jan. 29, 13 days after the procedure took place.

At the time, the palace said that Kate would be recuperating for two to three months after her surgery (before her cancer diagnosis) and that William would be postponing appearances in the coming months while his wife recovered.

Catherine previously experienced health complications during each of her three pregnancies. She had to be treated in the hospital  for hypermesis gravidarum , a severe type of morning sickness, when she was pregnant with the couple’s oldest child, George, and also had the condition with Charlotte and Louis.

February 2024

Williampulled out attending his godfather's memorial service  due to a “personal matter.” In a statement to NBC News on Feb. 27, the palace wouldn’t elaborate on the reason for William’s absence but said Kate “continues to be doing well.”

After releasing Kate’s video, Kensington Palace confirmed that the prince did not attend the service due to his wife’s cancer diagnosis.

In late February, as rumors about Kate's health and whereabouts mounted, the palace issued another statement about her recovery, explaining that her absence from the public eye shouldn’t be unexpected.

“Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates,” a spokesperson for the princess said in a statement to NBC News on Feb. 29. “That guidance stands.”

March 2024

The first photo of Kate since the surgery was released March 5. Grainy images showed her in the passenger seat of a black SUV that appeared to be driven by her mother near Windsor Castle. The palace declined to comment on these photos.

A  photo, posted on social media in honor of U.K. Mother’s Day on March 10, was the first official one released of Catherine since the surgery. According to the palace, it was taken by William the week prior.

It showed Kate with her three children. Alongside it, she also shared her first message since the procedure: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.”

But within several hours of the photo being shared, it was retracted by major news agencies, including the Associated Press and Reuters, due to “manipulation.”

Kate addressed the controversy in a post on X, writing “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 AP explained its decision to retract the photo in a statement to NBC News: “The Associated Press initially published the photo, which was issued by Kensington Palace. The AP later retracted the image because at closer inspection, it appears that the source had manipulated the image in a way that did not meet AP’s photo standards. The photo shows an inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand.”

Reuters issued a similar editor’s note, withdrawing the image after “a post publication review.”

The editing controversy and lack of information about her whereabouts led to viral conspiracies about the princess and the royal family.

Later that month, some social media users speculated a March 11 photograph of Kate and William leaving their Windsor Castle residence was photoshopped. (A royal spokesperson confirmed at the time that they were attending a “private appointment.”)

But the agency that distributed it, Goff Photos, told TODAY.com in a statement that it was only “cropped and lightened, nothing has been doctored!”

On March 18,  a video reported Kate and William at a market   in Windsor taken over the weekend began to circulate online. Kensington Palace declined to comment on the footage.

April 2024

William, the prince of Wales, returned to royal duties in mid-April. An April 16 statement released by the Palace said that on April 18, the prince was due to visit Surplus to Supper, “a surplus food redistribution charity, where he will see how surplus food from across the local area is delivered, sorted and re-packaged for delivery to small community (organizations),” the statement read.

He also traveled to West London to visit a youth center that receives these meals.

These visits mark the first official engagements for the prince since Kate announced she was undergoing treatment.

His public comments on his wife's health have been minimal, but in a May 10 appearance, he reportedly said she's "doing well."

Source : Today.com

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'planned cover' for 'setback' as Charles 'snubs' son

 Prince Harry may have been 'snubbed' by his father King Charles during his UK trip, but a royal commentator believes that he and Meghan Markle have already prepared for the 'setback' with a ' cover.

 Prince Harry and  Meghan Markle's trip to Nigeria can be interpreted as a "cover", especially after King Charles "snubbed" Harry during his trip to the UK.

Harry has just arrived to the UK for the tenth annual Invictus Games. While it was rumoured that he may visit king Charles and make a move in repairing their fractured relationship, it has since come out that they will not be meeting up, citing the King's busy schedule as the reason.

Speaking exclusively with The Mirror, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams insists that this will be seen as a "snub", but Harry and Meghan have already made a plan to "cover" for this "setback."

Meghan has wisely decided that a hostile press and public would prefer her to stay away from the Service at St Paul’s to commemorate a decade of Invictus. Their visit to Nigeria is a cover for what is a setback," Fitzwilliams told us.

While Meghan isn't joining Harry for his UK, she will join him as the two head of Nigeria  later this month. During this trip, they are expected to meet with Service members and participate in various cultural activities.

Fitzwilliams also added that while Harry and Meghan have a game plan for redemption, that doesn't soften the blow of his father's "snub."

"This will be seen as a snub. There is little doubt that this was not arranged as it should have been as King Charles has always made it clear that his door is open to Harry," he told us.

The last time Harry and Charles have seen each other was when Charles was diagnosed with cancer and Harry quickly flew out to see him."Their meeting after the King’s diagnosis was extremely brief and we do not know how well it went," Fitzwilliams explained.

Despite Charles' condition, Fitzwilliams claims he understands the impact of this decision will be significant.

He explained: "The King has engagements and duties he needs to perform and has to balance these with treatment for cancer that must be deeply debilitating. The fact that they will not be meeting will, as all things affecting the the royal family will, be worldwide news. If the royal rift is ever to be healed it will be when matters are less public and can be considered privately and less stressfully."

As for Harry's brother,   Prince William , Fitzwilliams knew the chance of them meeting was even slimmer.

"There was never a chance of him seeing William, who does not trust him, and with good reason," he shared.

While there are plenty of obstacles, Fitzwilliams does believe there is a path to redemption for Harry and Meghan.

He stated: "If they were to mention the Commonwealth, of which it is a member, in a favourable light in a speech, this would be positive. They trashed the institution, Queen Elizabeth’s most important legacy, in their documentary Harry and Meghan. This was not well received as, when they were senior working royals, they were Commonwealth patronages by the late Queen."

Source: The Mirror

Kate Middleton Health Update: Prince William Speaks About Wife’s Cancer Battle, Here Is When Princess Of Wales May Resume Royal Duties

Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton is currently battling cancer and has taken a break from her royal duties. While interacting with the people during a public event, Prince William spoke about how his wife is doing. Also know when can Kate Middleton resume royal duties

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales has been in the news for a few months now – first for her abdominal surgery, then for her alleged disappearance and finally, for revealing that she has been battling cancer. Kate Middleton, who is currently being treated for cancer, just like her father-in-law, King Charles III, has been off royal duties and is completely focussed on he cancer treatment. Amidst this, Prince William has been performing the royal duties without his wife and just recently, during one such outing, while he was interacting with the people, two women asked him how he and his children were doing; they also asked him how ‘Catherine’ (Kate Middleton) was doing. Prince of Wales responded to the women with a smile and a short update on his personal life. Know what he said.

Kate Middleton Health Update By Prince William

As mentioned earlier, while interacting with the public, Prince William was asked about his personal life which has been a subject of a lot of attention in the past few months. Two women who had wrapped the British flag around them, asked him ‘Do you mind if I ask how your wife and children are?’ To that, Prince William said, ‘All doing well, thank you.” The women then further asked specifically, ‘And obviously, Catherine…?’ To this, he again said, ‘We are all doing well. Thank you.’

When Will Kate Middleton Return To Royal Duties

While there is no official update from the Royals regarding Princess of Wales’ return to royal duties but according to latest media reports, she may not be back until mid-September this year. Kate Middleton has been off public eye for a long time now, ever since she ‘took a break’ for her abdominal surgery. People from across the world are praying for her speedy recovery and are wishing for her, a long and healthy life.

Prince William Breaks Kate Middleton’s Heart

Media reports suggest that Prince William has made a decision on which he is very firm, and that has resulted in an inevitable heartbreak for his wife, Kate Middleton. Amidst rumours of Prince William’s affairs with Lady Rose Hanbury, Prince William has decided to uphold the royal traditions and send their son, Prince George to a boarding school as soon as he turns 13.

According to a news report, the royals are not happy with the idea of future King-in-waiting to continue his high school studies in Eton College and therefore, to carry forward the ages-old tradition of the family, Prince William has put his foot down and there is nothing that the Princess of Wales can do about it. Not only does Kate feel that sending their son to such a ‘stuffy, upper-crust institution’ goes against their efforts to modernise monarchy but also during these tough times where she is battling with cancer, she will really miss Prince George, who himself will feel his mother’s absence.

Source> India.com

King Charles stresses importance of friendship 'in a time of need' after Princess Kate cancer diagnosis

LONDON — King Charles III   delivered an Easter message Thursday stressing the importance of friendship, “especially in a time of need” — his first public remarks since Kate, the princess of Wales.  revealed she had become the second senior royal to be diagnosed with cancer. 

The pre-recorded audio message comes ahead of the king’s attendance at a  service on Easter Sunday , in what will be his most significant public appearance since his own cancer diagnosis   in February.

Charles, 75, was heard at a traditional Maundy Thursday service at Worcester Cathedral, near Birmingham in the West Midlands, some 130 miles northwest of London.

He spoke of how Jesus set an “example of how we should serve and care for each other,” and how “we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need,” according to the Press Association, a British news agency that typically reports royal announcements.

Buckingham Palace confirmed Wednesday that the king will attend the Easter Mattins Service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle — one of the most important spiritual events in the royal calendar.

The king did not address his daughter-in-law’s health directly or name her in his brief personal message on Thursday. But royal watchers may interpret his words in the context of the ongoing family health crisis.

He also delivered a Bible reading.

The king did not appear in person at Thursday’s event — instead Queen Camilla deputized for him. Charles has stepped back from public engagements on medical advice.

The king’s public relations team also released a new picture of the monarch sitting at a desk in Buckingham Palace’s 18th Century Room, apparently recording his address into a microphone.

Charles has spoken of how touched he is by the outpouring of messages and cards from well-wishers from across the United Kingdom and beyond as he undergoes treatment for cancer, the exact type and stage of which the palace has not disclosed.

The king released a statement after Kate revealed her diagnosis last Friday, saying that he had become closer to his daughter-in-law through their shared hospital stays.

The king was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did,” the statement said.

The  Royal Maundy service  is part of the king’s role as the head of the Anglican Church. The monarch hands out specially made coins in white and red purses to 75 men and 75 women to reward them for good deeds such as charity work, a reference to the king’s age. Camilla performed that role on Thursday.

The event symbolizes the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of disciples the day before Good Friday. The custom dates back to 600 A.D. and the coins have been in use since 1662, when Charles II distributed Maundy money.

Charles attended last year’s service at York Minster, following a tradition set by Queen Elizabeth II to hold it in different places across the U.K., not just in London.

The king continues to work behind the scenes while receiving treatment for cancer. On Tuesday, he met community and faith leaders from the Windsor Leadership charity at Buckingham Palace, and he continues to hold a weekly audience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, albeit on at least one occasion by phone.

source: CNB news

Kate Middleton Shared Her Cancer News Without Prince William for an Important Reason

When Kate Middleton  shared the  news of her cancer diagnosis last week and her preventative chemotherapy, there was a major detail from the video that many royal fans noticed: Her husband, Prince William, didn't join her in filming the message. Now, a source close to the royals says that it was intentional, with Kate not only writing the heartfelt message  but wanting to deliver it to the public herself, too. However, those sources do note that the royal family — William included — is supporting the princess throughout her recovery.

"It is a message from the princess about her health, and she wanted to personally deliver the message on her own," a palace insider told  people before adding that William has been "supporting her throughout." William is extremely proud of his wife for the courage and strength she has shown not just this week but since her surgery in January, " they said. "Now more than ever, he’s focused on ensuring his wife has the privacy she needs to fully recover and that his children are shielded from the understandable interest in the news that has been shared."

Fans did notice that Kate  mentioned her husband and as well as her children in her message In addition to sharing the news of her health, Kate mentioned why she had been out of the spotlight for weeks after her January abdominal surgery, saying that she and her family needed time to process the news of her cancer and that she and William wanted to tell their children in a way that they'd understand.

"She and the prince needed time to process the news; she needed time to recover from surgery, and she needed time to tell the children. That was the driving force," says a palace source.

"William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family," Kate noted in her video. "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 okay. 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 spirits."

source: instyle.com

What is known about Kate's cancer diagnosis

 Kate, the Princess of Wales, has disclosed that she has cancer but hasn't said what kind

Kate, the Princess of Wales, has disclosed that she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy  though in a video announcement Friday, she did not say what kind of cancer or reveal details of her treatment.Here's what is known:

Kate had what was described as abdominal surgery on Jan. 16. The news wasn't announced until the next day, when Kensington Palace revealed that Kate was recovering from a planned operation.

At the time, officials said her condition wasn't cancerous but did not specify what kind of surgery, saying only that it was successful.

During the video announcement Friday, Kate said: “Tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” and that she was in the early stages of treatment.

She didn't say what kind of cancer was found, nor did she give details of her chemotherapy. The statement from Kensington Palace said Kate found out about the cancer after post-surgery tests were done.

While it's rare to find cancer after surgery for a noncancerous problem, it does happen in about 4% of such surgeries, said Dr. Yuman Fong, a surgeon at City of Hope cancer center in Southern California.

“That 4% figure represents someone who’s going to the operating room for what is thought to be benign disease” such as a procedure to remove the gallbladder or ovarian cysts, 

Fong said.Yes, cancer is rare in young adults. But in developed countries, rates of some cancers are rising among younger adults. Kate is 42.

We hate it when young people get cancer, but at the same time, they are the ones that recover best,” Fong said.

The palace statement said no details would be provided about her cancer or her treatment, other than she started it in late February.

“We will not be sharing any further private medical information. The Princess has a right to medical privacy as we all do,” the statement said.

After successful surgery, chemotherapy is often used to help kill any stray cancer cells and to prevent the cancer from coming back. Treatments have evolved, and when chemo is used now, it’s sometimes for shorter periods or lower doses than it once was.

Fatigue, nausea, tingling in the hands and feet, and sometimes hair loss are side effects of chemotherapy, said Dr. Monica Avila of Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. But there are medications for improving these side effects. And cold caps that cool the scalp can prevent hair loss, Avila said.

“A patient can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month or two to recover from those effects,” Avila said. Numbness and tingling can take longer to disappear, she said.

The palace statement said that will be up to her doctors. "The princess is now on a recovery pathway,” the statement said.

___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

source: ABC News

Princess Kate having preventative chemotherapy after cancer discovered during abdominal surgery

 

Princess Catherine has revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer in a personal video message, in which she told the public it had been an "incredibly tough couple of months" for her family.

The 42-year-old has been on leave from public duties after undergoing abdominal surgery in January, with her health becoming the subject of intense media and online speculation.

In her video, Catherine said the cancer was uncovered in post-operative testing and her medical team had advised her to undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy.

"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," she said in the video.

"As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.

"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."

The Prince and Princess of Wales wanted to wait until the Easter holidays to make this announcement, so their three children would not be at school.

"We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment," she 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."

Earlier this year, Kensington Palace said it was expected that the princess would return to work after Easter. 

Catherine, Prince William and their three children will not be taking part in the annual royal tradition of attending the Easter service at St George's Chapel in Windsor this year.

"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.

"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," she said.

"I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal."

King Charles also revealed earlier this month that he was undergoing treatment for cancer, and would be stepping back from many public duties but would continue desk work and some meetings.

It's left Camilla, the Queen Consort, and Prince William to lead the royal family at public engagements.

 

Buckingham Palace today released a statement saying the king has been in close contact with the Princess of Wales over the last few weeks.

The king is "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did", the palace statement said.

Both the king and queen "will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time".

The Princess of Wales used her video message to thank the public "for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery".

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan also issued a statement.

Catherine has only been seen a handful of times since her surgery, mostly in paparazzi and tabloid images and video.

The palace released an image of Catherine and her three children earlier this month, but it led to a media frenzy after photo agencies pulled the photograph because it had been digitally altered. 

The last time she attended an engagement was on Christmas Day, when she met members of the public outside a church service at the Sandringham Estate.

Catherine will not return to royal duties until she has been cleared by her medical team, but is expected to attend some events when she is feeling well.

The Palace said this would not be considered a return to public life, but would allow Catherine to be present in moments that matter to her.

Cancer diagnosis follows intense scrutiny

Catherine's announcement comes after weeks of media and public scrutiny of the princess and her health, with reports hospital staff had attempted to access her medical records, a media frenzy over the edited photo, and conspiracy theories spreading online.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the princess had shown "tremendous bravery with her statement today".

"My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales, the Royal Family and in particular her three children at this difficult time," he said in a statement.

"The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery.

"In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media. 

"When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family."

The princess's younger brother, James Middleton, has offered his sister words of support and shared an old childhood photo of them together.

"Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together," he wrote on Instagram.

"As a family, we will climb this one with you too."

Some royal watchers have now said the news of Catherine's diagnosis is a sobering moment of reflection for the press and public.

Afua Hagan, a British royal commentator, said there had been "weeks of swirling conspiracy theories".

"From the sublime to the ridiculous, from social media to front pages of newspapers, it's honestly just been crazy," she said.

"I think people are thinking now, wow, actually, she's exactly where she said she would be, recovering at home with her children and actually, this is far more serious than we thought it would be as well. 

"I hope it's a moment of reflection for people spreading rumours on TikTok or wherever, it's definitely a moment of reflection for the British media."

Catherine used her video to tell other cancer patients, "You are not alone".

"At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer," she said.

"For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope."

Charities, doctors and members of the cancer community have praised the king for being open about his cancer.

"This has happened at the same time, probably within the space of the same few weeks, we have two principal members of the royal family diagnosed with cancer," Ms Hagan said.

"This is unprecedented, unheard of."

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Credit: .abc.net.Au

How Kate Middleton and Prince William Feel About the Rumors Surrounding Them: Royal Expert (Exclusive)

 

Kate Middleton and Prince William are feeling shock, anger, disbelief and frustration amid wild, over-the-top speculation and vast conspiracy theories with regard to her whereabouts and recovery progress from abdominal surgery.

 

ET spoke with royal expert Katie Nicholl about how the Prince and Princess of Wales are feeling about the swirling rumors centered around them. Nicholl tells ET that the royal couple is astute enough to understand how social media works in this day and age, but the constant attention is, plainly put, getting to them.

 

"Well, I know from the sources that I've spoken to that both William and Kate have been pretty shocked and genuinely surprised by the wild rumors that are circulating on the internet," Nicholl tells ET. "I think there's a sense of frustration, possibly even anger, certainly on William's part."

 

For his part, not only has William had to look after his wife, who is still recovering from abdominal surgery, but also the couple's three young children -- Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. On top of that, William is also trying to tune out the deafening noise, including unsubstantiated claims running rampant online and elsewhere.

"I think the suggestions that [Kate's] had, well, anything as crazy as a bad haircut that she's needed to grow out to cosmetic surgery that's gone wrong or people speculating that possibly she's in a coma, I think that has made the Prince of Wales frustrated, upset and pretty angry as well," Nicholl says. "It's been difficult for them. I think they're trying to ignore as much as they can. But, of course, this is a couple who have had to embrace social media. They've got an Instagram handle, they've got hundreds of thousands of followers. They certainly don't have their heads in the sand. They are aware of what is being written and what is being said. And I think there's a sense of frustration that they can't bring an end to it

The sad reality, Nicholl adds, is that the couple is likely very aware that the noise is not going to end. Not until the public can see with their own eyes that Kate is "back to her normal, happy, healthy self."

 

Which is what makes the video footage obtained by TMZ of Kate and William a mile from their Windsor home all the more frustrating.

"The TMZ video really should have quashed all of the fevered speculation about the Princess of Wales," Nicholl explains. "Her health, her recovery, and it simply hasn't. You would have thought that the video, which showed her walking at quite a brisk pace, carrying a shopping bag, looking pretty healthy and happy, and chatting in a very relaxed way with her husband, would have just dampened out all of the rife speculation that has really been circulating on the internet for weeks now. But, unbelievably, many of those theories are still circulating on the internet."

 

The wild speculation includes that there was a body double -- a rumor and conspiracy theory that prompted a Kate lookalike to speak out about it.

"People think that I'm Kate Middleton in the video that's come out online," said Heidi Egan, a British woman known for her resemblance of Kate. "Given my alibi that, no, it wasn't me in the video. I was actually at work."

And as if the royal couple didn't already have enough to deal with, police are now looking into a possible breach of Kate's health records, a U.K. health minister announced, after the U.K. tabloid The Mirror reported that The London Clinic -- where Kate was treated in January for a "planned abdominal surgery" -- has launched an investigation over claims that staff tried to access her private medical records. The Information Commissioner's Office, Britain's data watchdog, released a statement confirming that they are looking into the potential breach.

The potential breach of her medical records will be handled swiftly, not just

because it may have targeted the Princess of Wales, but because privacy laws are extremely strict in the U.K. But underscoring the seriousness of the situation is the fact that The London Clinic is equivalent to Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles or New York-Presbyterian Hospital, two world-class facilities favored by the rich and famous.

"The London Clinic will be doing everything it can to assure its patients, many of whom are high profile," says Nicholl while referencing former U.K. Prime Minster David Cameron, who was born at that hospital. Former U.S. President John F. Kennedy Jr. also was treated there, as are many royals, celebrities and VIPs who insist on discretion even more so.

"The big challenge here is for The London Clinic and maintaining its standards and its reputation as being one of the most discreet clinics in London, when clearly there was a major security breach attempted during Katherine's stay," Nicholl says.

The potential breach is reminiscent of a 2012 incident, when Australian pranksters managed to get patched through to Kate's doctors amid her receiving treatment for severe nausea and vomiting at London's King Edward VII Hospital while she was pregnant with Prince George.

While the prank only resulted in the pranksters getting transferred to Kate's doctors, that ordeal ended in tragedy, when the nurse who transferred the call took her own life in 2014.

Source:etonline.com