Kate Middleton’s Cancer Timeline: From Diagnosis to Remission
Kate Middleton‘s cancer diagnosis shocked the public when the Princess of Wales shared the news in 2024. Since then, royal watchers have been captivated by Kate’s journey, even going too far at times in their search for answers.
But throughout her experience, she has shared updates, made public appearances, and ensured the public that she is ready to fulfill her duties as the future queen. Kate Middleton’s cancer timeline shows what she has endured and why she remains optimistic about the future.
January 2024: Kate undergoes planned abdominal surgery
On Jan. 17, 2025, Kensington Palace announced Kate Middleton underwent a planned abdominal surgery. While it raised a few questions about Kate’s health, the severity of the issue wasn’t known at the time.
She returned home two weeks later to begin the recovery process. But a statement from the princess apologizing for canceling future engagements rang alarm bells. Public events wouldn’t be on the schedule if the palace knew Kate would be recovering for an extended period.
March 2024: Conspiracy theories spread about Kate’s health; Cancer diagnosis announced
The longer Kate stayed out of sight, the more speculation about her health began to spread. Things escalated when Prince William withdrew from appearing and speaking at the thanksgiving service of his godfather, Constantine II of Greece, in late February.
Kate didn’t help matters when she admitted to editing a family photo released to commemorate Mother’s Day in the U.K. on March 10. More conspiracy theories, dubbed “Katespiracies,” followed online that questioned the true nature of Kate’s health or the status of her marriage.
On March 22, Kate ended speculation with a video announcing doctors diagnosed her with cancer during post-operative tests. While she didn’t disclose the type of cancer, Kate did share she began chemotherapy treatment nearly a month prior. It also came just a short time after King Charles announced his cancer diagnosis. Kate’s leave from public engagements was therefore extended.
June 2024: Kate’s first public appearance post-cancer announcement
Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis announcement led to an outpour of support. Conspiracy theories were condemned and the focus turned to when the Princess of Wales would next appear in public.
The milestone came on June 15, 2024, when Kate appeared at the Trooping the Colour ceremony. She joined the ceremonial carriage ride and stood alongside other royal family members to wave from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
July/August 2024: Kate seen in public again
Kate Middleton eased her way back into public appearances during the 2024 summer. However, she remained on leave from official engagements as other royals picked up the slack.
Kate received a standing ovation when she appeared at the 2024 Wimbledon Men’s Final on July 14. She waved to her fellow spectators at the tennis tournament, acknowledging their support.
The following month, the princess joined her family for church service as part of the traditional Highlands holiday. Kate was spotted on Aug. 25 alongside King Charles and Queen Camila.
September 2024: Kate completes chemotherapy
On Sept. 9, Kate Middleton released a video via Kensington Palace revealing she completed her chemotherapy treatment. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,” she said.Tthe cancer journey, Kate added, “brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before. And with that, a new perspective on everything.”
The Princess of Wales went on to share more good news in the video, stating her intent to resume public engagements in the coming months.
October 2024: Kate Middleton’s first official engagement since ending chemotherapy
True to her word, Kate appeared for an official royal engagement on Oct. 10. It was a positive step for the princess, but it came in the aftermath of a tragic event.
William and Kate met with the families of the victims of the 2024 Southport stabbing. The appearance was something of a surprise but marked a turning point in Kate’s cancer journey.
January 2025: Kate’s cancer is in remission
Kate Middleton completed her first solo official engagement on Jan. 14, 2025. She met with doctors and nurses at the Royal Marsden Hospital where she received treatment.
“I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year,” Kate wrote in an Instagram post. “My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.”
The same social media post also revealed that Kate’s cancer was in remission. “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery,” she wrote. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead.”
