Prince William gives rare update on Kate Middleton's cancer | 79LGD08 | 2024-05-02 14:08:01
What has Prince William said about Kate Middleton's cancer?
While chatting with well-wishers during a royal engagement in Newcastle, Prince William was asked about how his wife and three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 6 — are doing following Kate Middleton's diagnosis.
"Do you mind if I ask how your wife and children are?" asked one woman, who was draped in the British flag — as seen in a video circulating online.
Nodding his head, the Prince of Wales politely responded, "All doing well, yes, thank you. All doing well," while kindly patting the woman on the shoulder.
"And obviously Catherine?" the woman asked, seeking further clarification — to which William confirmed, "Yeah, we're all doing well."
The outing marked William's third day of public-facing royal engagements since Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis on March 22 — which saw him tour James' Place Newcastle, a male suicide prevention centre
What type of cancer does Kate Middleton have?
Kate Middleton did not reveal what type of cancer she has during the video statement, nor has Kensington Palace released any details on her possible prognosis nor what stage the cancer is at. According to Reuters, her office said they won't be providing more details about her diagnosis at this time, sharing the princess has a right to medical privacy.
Kate did explain during the clip that when she underwent "major" abdominal surgery, doctors believed her condition to be non-cancerous — as revealed during initial reports. While "the surgery was successful," further testing discovered cancer cells in her body.
"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous," Kate began during the video posted to The Prince and Princess of Wales Instagram account. "The surgery was successful; however, tests after the operation found cancer had been present."
What cancer treatment is Kate receiving?
Kate Middleton has been undergoing chemotherapy since February, according to BAZAAR US.
"The princess is now on a recovery pathway having commenced a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February," a spokesperson at Kensington Palace shared.
The princess continued to explain in the video: "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."
What is preventative chemotherapy?
While chemotherapy, or "chemo," is "the use of anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells" used before or after surgery or radiation therapy, according to Cancer Council Australia, Kate shared she's undergoing "chemoprevention" to lessen her chances of the cancer returning.
Prof Lawrence Young, Professor of Molecular Oncology, University of Warwick at Science Media Centre explains: "Preventative chemotherapy (also called adjuvant therapy) is often used after primary therapy, such as surgery, to reduce the chance of cancer coming back and spreading."
"Prof. Young continued, "Even after successful removal of all visible cancer by surgery, microscopic cancer cells can remain lurking in the body and can't be detected by current tests. The sort of chemotherapy and the time length of treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer as confirmed by examining the cancer removed at surgery."
Related: What is going on with Kate Middleton?
Is Kate Middleton okay?
Despite being a "huge shock," Kate Middleton clarified that she's "getting stronger every day" as she takes time to slowly recover and heal. She explained husband Prince William has been "great source of comfort and reassurance" and is thankful for the "love, support, and kindness" shown by people across the globe.
"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'm going to be okay," she share.
"As I've said to [the children], I am well, and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal, in my mind, body, and spirits. 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 so much to us both."
Separately, a palace source told BAZAAR US that Kate "is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery."
When will Kate Middleton return to royal engagements?
Following Kensington Palace's original announcement about Kate Middleton not commencing royal engagements until after Easter, a palace source has now also confirmed to BAZAAR US that the Wales' won't be attending next weekend's royal Easter Sunday service.
"The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery," the insider shared. Meanwhile, William "will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year."
In concluding the video statement, Kate Middleton shared," We hope that you'll understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to being back when I'm able."
What has Prince Harry and Meghan Markle said about Kate's cancer diagnosis?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have now publicly shown their support for sister-in-law Kate Middleton amid her cancer diagnosis.
"We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace," a spokesperson for the Sussexes said.
Separately, King Charles has also provided his public condolences to Kate — with a Buckingham Palace spokesperson explaining he's been in close contact with her since January when they were both at the private London Clinic.
"His majesty is 'so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did," Buckingham Palace said.
Related: A guide to the conspiracy theories about Kate Middleton's whereabouts
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