Over several weeks, search terms such as ‘Kate Middleton’s health’ and ‘Where is Kate Middleton’ cropped up.
Following such heightened speculation, the Princess finally spoke out and confirmed her cancer diagnosis.
And now, amid more recent public outings, the 44-year-old has issued a rare update.
Kate Middleton’s battle with cancer
Middleton issued a statement in January 2024, after speculation regarding her whereabouts had hit an all-time high.
Speaking about her diagnosis at the time, she said: “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.”
She concluded: “For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
Afterwards, millions of fans rushed to send the Princess their well-wishes and messages of support.
But she, of course, is not the only royal to have battled the disease.
King Charles’ diagnosis
King Charles announced his diagnosis just a month later, in February 2024, with an official statement made by Buckingham Palace.
The monarch started receiving treatment immediately, and never specified what type of cancer he had been diagnosed with.
But in December last year, the King announced himself that his treatment had been reduced, thanks to a positive response.
During a national address, he said: “Today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders,’ my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the New Year.”
While the palace added that the King responded ‘exceptionally well’ to treatment, he is not yet in remission from the disease.
Now, Middleton’s rare cancer update comes amid her and her husband, Prince William, breaking their silence following the release of the Epstein files.
Prince William and the Princess of Wales speak out on Epstein files
Prince William’s disgraced uncle, former Prince Andrew, was good friends with convicted p****phile Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, and is consistently named in the files.
Disturbing images have since been released concerning Andrew, but the former prince continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Just yesterday (February 9), A Kensington Palace spokesperson said (via The Independent): “I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations.
“Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
They are some of the first royals to confront the conversation head on, after more than 3.5 million documents, including pictures, emails, text messages, and other forms of evidence, were released last month by the DOJ.
Amid the release of further Epstein files, Middleton has been spotted on a public outing in which she opened up to a fan about her battle with cancer.
The Princess of Wales’ rare cancer update
The 44-year-old expressed her gratitude to a man who brought up her recent health issues.
“I hope you get better really soon after what happened to you,” he said in a clip that was captured by fellow fans.
Responding to the man, Middleton said: “Thank you very much. This is so good for my soul, meeting wonderful people here.”
Less than a year on from her diagnosis, the Princess confirmed in January last year that she had completed chemotherapy and was officially in remission.
In a message on X at the time, she wrote: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery.