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Why Has Kate Middleton Been Missing From the Public Eye? Updates on Princess’ Health Amid Cancer
Where is Princess Kate Middleton? The Princess of Wales had not been seen in public since Christmas Day in 2023, sparking concern and confusion from the public. More than two months later, she was spotted in a rare photo, raising even more questions about her health. Finally, on March 22, 2024, Kate broke her silence regarding her health and revealed that she is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
What Happened to Kate Middleton?
On January 17, 2024, Kensington Palace announced that Kate underwent abdominal surgery.
“The surgery was successful, and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days, before returning home to continue her recovery,” the statement said. “Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private,” the statement continued. “Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.”
Where Has Kate Middleton Been?
Prior to the announcement, Kate had not stepped out in public since December 25, 2023, for Christmas service at Sandringham with her family. On January 29, 2024, it was announced that the princess was able to “return home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery” and was making “good progress.”
Kate’s husband, Prince William, attended the BAFTA Awards solo on February 18, 2024. “I’m sorry Catherine’s not here. She does love the BAFTAs,” he said while speaking with Elaine Bedell, chief executive of the Southbank Centre, at the awards show.
Kate and William love watching the films nominated each year together. “All the ones I watch, she watches with me. So, we go through it carefully,” he explained, though he admitted that he watched “the fewest I’ve ever done before, annoyingly.”
“I’ve had other things on my mind. It’s been a bit [hand motion] — a bit like that. But hopefully, I’ll catch up,” William explained.
In addition to news of Kate’s surgery, it was also revealed that King Charles was diagnosed with cancer following a procedure to correct his enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace announced that the king is “wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
On February 27, 2024, William pulled out of a ceremony to honor his godfather King Constantine of Greece due to a personal matter. The exact reasoning was not revealed. After the last-minute decision sparked concern about his wife’s health, the palace confirmed Kate was “doing well” amid her recovery in a statement to People.
“We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter and Kensington Palace would only be providing updates when something was significant,” a spokesperson for Kate said.
Currently, Kate is believed to be spending the majority of her time at home in Adelaide Cottage in Windsor with kids Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. On March 4, 2024, she was photographed wearing sunglasses in a car sitting next to her mom, Carole Middleton, near Windsor Castle. It was unclear where they were headed. The photo caused quite the stir online, leading William to speak out in a statement about his wife’s whereabouts and his recent public appearances.
“His focus is on his work and not on social media,” a spokesperson for William told People following Kate’s rare public outing.
Others hoped to find out what really is going on behind the scenes at the palace.
“Everybody feels unsettled by uncertainty, and there is too much uncertainty that is surrounding the monarchy right now,” royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told the outlet following the online firestorm of comments and concern.
Kate Middleton Revealed She Has Cancer
The princess appeared on video on March 22, 2024, to finally open up about her abdominal surgery. She began by thanking her supporters, as well as her medical team. Kate then revealed that, at the time of her procedure, doctors believed her condition was “non-cancerous.” However, Kate added, “Tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
The Princess of Wales continued, “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. 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 OK.”
“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,” Kate added. “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 much to us both.”
The royal continued on to explain that she and her family would need more “time, space and privacy” while she completes her treatment. Though she is looking forward to working again, Kate said she must now focus on her recovery.
“At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer,” she concluded. “For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
