Kate Middleton has announced that she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.
She confirmed her diagnosis in a video message released Friday. The type of cancer has not been disclosed. She started chemotherapy in late February.
The news comes on the heels of much speculation surrounding Middleton’s well-being. The Princess Of Wales disappeared from the public eye after the palace announced she underwent abdominal surgery in January. A number of conspiracy theories surrounding her well-being have since made their rounds on the internet.
Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk. Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge hears from families and key organisations about the ways in which peer support can help boost parent wellbeing Photo by Jack Hill – WPA Pool/Getty Images
KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at the dinner hosted by Patrick Allen, Governor General of Jamaica, at King’s House, on March 23, 2022 in Kingston, Jamaica. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are visiting Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee. The 8 day tour takes place between Saturday 19th March and Saturday 26th March and is their first joint official overseas tour since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. (Photo by Jane Barlow – Pool/Getty Images)
The London Clinic is currently probing a possible security breach involving Middleton’s health records.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge talks to aid workers on the ground via video call during visit the London headquarters of the Disasters Emergency Committee. Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
Catherine, Princess of Wales, known as the Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland, visits Outfit Moray. Photo by Jane Barlow – WPA Pool/Getty Images
LONDON, ENGLAND: Catherine, Princess of Wales looks on following Marketa Vondrousova of Czech Republic’s victory in the Women’s Singles Final against Ons Jabeur of Tunisia on day thirteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2023 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Catherine, Princess of Wales attends King Charles III’s Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 9, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jonathan Brady – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Middleton was not spotted in public for several weeks. When the first post-surgery images of Middleton did emerge, fans immediately questioned their authenticity, with many speculating it wasn’t actually her in the photographs, or that the images may have been edited.
The royal family was under further scrutiny when Middleton released an edited family photo to her Instagram account. Eagle-eyed royal watchers discovered editing flaws, which triggered an apology and explanation from Middleton’s account. (RELATED: The London Clinic Launches Investigation Into Possible Snooping Of Kate Middleton’s Hospital Records: REPORT)
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge engages in a walkabout in Ballymena town centre on February 28, 2019 in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
LONDON, ENGLAND: Catherine, Princess of Wales is seen during day two of The Championships Wimbledon 2023 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
The royal family has been plagued with health issues for much of 2024. King Charles has been absent from his royal duties after his cancer diagnosis. He has received treatment and is currently recovering.