2024-03-22 19:24:03
Princess of Wales Kate Middleton has revealed that she is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer that was discovered after abdominal surgery in January.
Kate, 42, says she is in the “early stages” of treatment and said she is “getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal, in my mind, body and spirits”.
Here’s everything we know so far
What treatment does the princess receive?
The Princess of Wales has described chemotherapy as “preventive”.
She says in her letter: “In January, I had major abdominal surgery in London. At the time, it was believed that my condition was non-cancerous, and the surgery was successful, but tests after the operation confirmed the presence of cancer. Therefore, my medical team advised me that I should undergo a course of treatment.” Preventive chemo and I am now in the early stages of this treatment.”
Kate says she has a “fantastic medical team who took great care of me, which I’m so grateful for.”
“It took time to recover from major surgery to begin my treatment.”
The princess did not reveal the type of cancer she is being treated for or the stage of cancer she is suffering from.
Reassuring George, Charlotte and Louis
The princess says she and her husband, Prince William, “took the time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that was right for them, and to reassure them that I would be OK.”
She says she told them, “I’m doing well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, my body, and my spirit.”
“William is beside me”
Paying tribute to William, Kate said that having him by her side “is a wonderful source of comfort and reassurance as well. As is the love, support and kindness shown by so many of you. It means a lot to both of us.”
What is preventive chemotherapy and how long does it last?
Sky News science correspondent Thomas Moore explains the usual procedure after many surgeries.
“They test the cells, and then they discover they are cancerous,” he says.
“When they talk about preventative chemotherapy, that is, in case there are any more cells left behind after surgery, to make sure that these are not cancer cells that kind of grow back.”
He says he hopes her condition was diagnosed at a “fairly early stage” and there was no spread.
He explains that some chemotherapies can be “very difficult to take” and their side effects can be “brutal” – but this is not always the case.
Chemotherapy usually takes between three and six months, with rounds of treatment where drugs are infused directly into the veins. These drugs target cancer cells, but also other cells such as hair follicles.
“That’s why we need to give so much understanding to Kate and what the family is going through,” Moore said.
“This is a huge thing to address,” he adds. “Cancer is still the diagnosis no one wants to hear.”
“Even though the treatments are much better and the outlook is much better than it used to be, it’s still a scary diagnosis.”
When did the princess learn about the diagnosis?
“Kate has known for some time,” Sky’s royal correspondent Laura Bondock said.
The Princess started a course of preventive chemotherapy at the end of February, but we don’t yet know what type of cancer she has or what stage it is at – this is her “private medical information.”
Bondock says there has been “a great deal of pressure” on the Princess of Wales during her absence from the public eye, prompting fantastic speculation.
Bondoc believed that Kate decided to announce the matter for a clear reason, which is related to her children.
What did Sunak say?
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement immediately after the princess’s announcement:
- “My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, the Prince of Wales, the Royal Family, and especially her three children at this difficult time.”
- “The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the entire country as she continues her recovery. She has shown tremendous courage in her statement today.”
- “In recent weeks, I have come under intense scrutiny and been treated unfairly by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media.
- “When it comes to health issues, like everyone else, she should have privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.
- “I know I speak for the entire country in wishing her a full and speedy recovery and I look forward to seeing her back in action when she is ready.”
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