For much of 2024, the Princess of Wales stepped back from royal duties while undergoing treatment. After completing chemotherapy, she later described the experience as an “incredibly tough” time.

When the Diagnosis Was First Revealed

Kate first went public with her diagnosis in a personal video message on March 22, 2024, weeks after undergoing abdominal surgery in January. Before that, her absence from public life since Christmas Day 2023 had sparked widespread concern and speculation.

In her message, she expressed gratitude to those who supported her, saying: “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.”

She explained that the surgery had initially been believed to address a non-cancerous condition: “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 preventive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”

Kate admitted the diagnosis came as a shock: “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 also highlighted the importance of supporting her children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — explaining: “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.”

She concluded by asking for privacy: “We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment… But for now I must focus on making a full recovery.”

Support From the Royal Family

Following her announcement, senior royals publicly expressed their support. King Charles III, who was also facing his own cancer diagnosis at the time, said he was “so proud” of Kate for her “courage.”

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared a joint message: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”

Although she reduced her workload, Kate made a few key appearances in 2024. In June, she attended Trooping the Colour, marking her first major outing since her diagnosis, alongside Prince William and their children.

The following month, she was seen at Wimbledon, attending the men’s final with Princess Charlotte.

Completing Treatment and Looking Ahead

By late summer, Kate confirmed she had finished chemotherapy, sharing her relief: “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.

“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant…”

She added that staying healthy had become her priority: “Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus.”

Reflecting on the experience, she said: “This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life… Of simply loving and being loved.”

However, she acknowledged recovery would take time: “Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long… I must continue to take each day as it comes.”

Remission and a Gradual Return

In January 2025, Kate shared the positive news that she was in remission: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery… it takes time to adjust to a new normal.”

She added: “I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead… Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”

She also expressed gratitude to medical staff: “My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me… The care and advice we have received… has been exceptional.”

Since then, she has slowly resumed public duties.

In March 2026, Kate offered another small but telling update during a visit with Prince William. While invited to have a drink, she declined, explaining: “Since my diagnosis, I haven’t had much alcohol.”

She added: “It’s something I have to be a lot more conscious of now.”

Kate’s journey over the past two years reflects both the difficulty of her diagnosis and her steady path toward recovery. While she continues to rebuild her strength and return to public life, her focus remains firmly on health, family, and finding balance after an “incredibly tough” chapter.