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Kate Middleton has reportedly been “unwell” longer than previously believed. A new report claims that although the Princess of Wales was hospitalized in January 2024. It revealed she had cancer in March. However, her health problems were reportedly a struggle way before an operation revealed she had the disease.

How long has Kate Middleton been ill? A new report claims longer than believed

The Daily Mail‘s Rebecca English penned an editorial breaking down the timeframe of Kate Middleton’s illness and recovery. She noted that prior to the princess’s January surgery, she had likely been unwell for some time.

English writes, “What most will not appreciate is that Catherine had been unwell for some time in the run-up to her initial abdominal surgery in January (further details of which have not yet been made public by Kensington Palace). It was only after that ‘planned’ operation, of course, which left her in hospital for two weeks, that her cancer was discovered.”

Kate reportedly “hid” her suffering from friends and family, but those closest to her reportedly knew the toll it had taken on her life. “I don’t think people realize how much she has gone through behind the scenes and for how long, far longer than anyone actually appreciates,” English writes after speaking to a close friend of the Princess of Wales.

However, English cites a source calling Kate “an incredibly strong woman, but she has been through the wars. Her treatment and recovery is still a priority and will be ongoing for some time to come. For anyone, there is a lot of physical recovery after treatment finishes. It’s not like flipping a switch.”

Kate Middleton’s illness has ‘strengthened’ her and Prince William’s relationship

Kate Middleton and Prince William's bond has been strengthened after her health crisis
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s bond has been strengthened after her health crisis | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
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Kate Middleton’s ‘Life Altering’ Cancer Recovery Signals Monarchy Power Shift

The experience of navigating Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis as a family has “strengthened” her and Prince William’s relationship, reports Rebecca English of The Daily Mail. William has been by his wife’s side throughout her hospitalization, recovery, and return to public life.

English quotes a “well-placed source” who claims, “It’s strengthened them as a unit. They’ve always been a team, and what they have been through this year has only cemented that.”

Early in Kate’s illness, William canceled several vital engagements, including a scheduled appearance at a Windsor Castle memorial service for his godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece. He didn’t return to public life until around a month after she returned home to Adelaide Cottage to recuperate alongside their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

The couple laid low throughout Kate’s initial recovery. William did speak of his wife when asked about her recovery but did not disclose any information about her illness.

Therefore, in March, Kate took the reins of her narrative and dispelled the many rumors surrounding her health by releasing a video. The princess spoke of her illness, treatment, and a potential return to royal duties without confirming an actual date.

So when will Kate Middleton return to work full-time?

In January 2024, per Kate Middleton’s medical diagnosis, the palace shared she would return to work after Easter. However, that timeline has changed several times since that initial announcement.

The timeline shifted again in March when Kate released an Instagram video. She said, “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to being back when I am able. But for now, I must focus on making a full recovery.”

Then, in June, she shared another message on Instagram. Kate said her cancer treatment was ongoing.

It read, “I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much-needed time to heal,” the statement concluded.

Thus far, Kate Middleton has remained on a modified work schedule. The palace has not announced when she will return to full-time duties. She is currently on holiday with members of the royal family in Scotland.