Annie Walton Doyle
Kate Middleton has announced that she has cancer in a heartbreaking new statement.
The last time the Princess of Wales, 42, made a public appearance was on Christmas Day.
She joined other members of the royal family for the annual church service and walk.
Following this final public appearance, it was disclosed that Middleton was undergoing ‘planned abdominal surgery’.
But this announcement was quickly met with rumours, speculation and even conspiracy theories.
And now, the Princess has shared a statement.
Related Article: Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Change Both Their Children’s Names
Related Article: King Charles III Diagnosed With Cancer, Buckingham Palace Confirms
When Middleton was last seen in public, she appeared happy and healthy on her way to church at the royal Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, alongside her husband, Prince William, and the couple’s three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Soon after, on January 17, the announcement of surgery was made – although some were sceptical that the surgery had not been previously announced if it was truly planned.
Middleton was reportedly discharged 14 days later on January 29, although people were again concerned because no photos were taken at the time.
And as the Princess was not seen since, speculation continued to grow.
Related Article: Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Just Got ‘Downgraded’ On The Official Buckingham Palace Website
On March 4, the first image of Middleton since 2023 was released to the public by TMZ.
However, the low image quality and the seeming change in Middleton’s appearance continued the speculation as to her true whereabouts.
How & why did #TMZ manage to get this photo?? Nothing from the hospital where the #msm usually camp outside!
Is this really #Kate #WhereIsKateMiddleton
The chin & cheeks & lips don’t really look like her. #HarryandMeghan across the pond are living their best lives 💪🏻😍🤣 pic.twitter.com/uNoq3TVpX3— Vickie (@VickiePhotos) March 6, 2024
In response to the questions, the royal family released another picture of Middleton, presumably intended to ease public concern over the Princess’ whereabouts – but this one prompted even more speculation.
View this post on Instagram
The image was clearly edited, and this led to major news outlets pulling it from circulation.
“In the Public Relations industry, a ‘kill notification’ is the coup de grâce of the media circuit,” one person explained on X, formerly Twitter.
“For the Associated Press (AP) to issue this update, it means that something is TERRIBLY wrong. Think of it as a Cat. 5 cyclone. This is literally a death blow to any press source.”
“To kill something on the basis of manipulation is rare,” Phil Chetwynd, global news director of Agence France-Presse (AFP), confirmed to BBC Radio 4’s Media Show.
“We do it once a year maybe, I hope less. The previous kills we’ve had have been from the North Korean news agency or the Iranian news agency.”
Conspiracy theorists then began asking if the image was taken last year, or if Middleton’s face was superimposed from her Vogue cover.
The explanation provided by the palace continued to make people even more suspicious.
“Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing,” a statement, apparently from Middleton, read.
“I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C.”
Now, Middleton herself has spoken out.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery,” the statement begins.
“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful.
“However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. 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.
“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.
“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 am going to be OK.
“As I have said to them; 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.
“We hope that you will 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 am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
“At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
“For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024
Do you have a story for us? If so, email us at [email protected]. All contact will be treated in confidence.
