Kate Middleton cancer diagnosis caps winter of surgery, speculation for royals
The news of Kate Middleton’s cancer has capped three of the most turbulent months in recent royal history.
The news of the Princess of Wales’s cancer brings to a close three of the most turbulent months in recent royal history. These were the key events leading to her announcement:
Christmas Day 2023
Princess of Wales makes most recent official public appearance, at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, with others of the royal family.
January 16, 2024
Admitted to London Clinic for “planned abdominal surgery”. Kensington Palace says the following day that operation was “successful” and that she will stay in hospital for ten to 14 days. “Unlikely to return to public duty until after Easter”.
Aides confirm that she does not have cancer.
January 17
Buckingham Palace says King will have treatment for an enlarged prostate. Condition benign and officials say public engagements will be postponed “for a short period of recuperation”.
January 26
Charles also admitted to the clinic, arriving with the Queen. Visits Kate before having his own procedure.
January 29
Kensington Palace says princess has been discharged and returned to Windsor to “continue her recovery”. She is making “good progress”. King pictured leaving hospital the same day.
February 5
Buckingham Palace says that during King’s treatment “a separate issue of concern was noted” with tests identifying “a form of cancer”.
February 7
Prince William resumes public duties, leading an investiture at Windsor Castle. Later attends London air ambulance fundraising gala where he speaks about both his father and his wife. “It’s fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather medical focus. So, I thought I’d come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all,” he says.
February 10
King thanks public for their support. “It is heartening to hear how sharing my diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world.”
February 27
Online speculation about the princess grows after William attends Baftas without her and misses memorial for King Constantine of Greece at St George’s Chapel over a “personal issue”. Statement says absence is not to do with the sudden death of his friend, Thomas Kingston, or the King’s health.
March 10
Rumours at fever pitch after princess releases photograph taken by Wiliam for Mother’s Day showing her hugging their children. Portrait had been edited and was withdrawn by news agencies.
March 11
Princess apologises for any “confusion” caused. “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing."
March 17
The Sun publishes images of prince and princess at Windsor farm shop. A member of the public says she seems “happy, relaxed and healthy”.
March 20
Investigation launched after staff at the London Clinic allegedly try to access princess’s medical records. Privacy watchdog confirms royal involvement.
March 22
Princess says that tests after her operations revealed the presence of cancer.
The Times
More Coverage
Simon’s ‘dream’ world and the stalking sound of silence
In an epic new documentary by Alex Gibney, the musician reveals the roots of the pop duo’s bitter rivalry and opens up about his deafness.
‘Philip loved my Aussie accent, and the Queen was an incredible boss’
Samantha Cohen, who was first entranced by the royals when they visited Brisbane in 1977, became one of the most trusted royal aides.