March 22, 2024 - Catherine, Princess of Wales, says she has cancer

Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the "early stages" of treatment.

Kate married Prince William, now the heir apparent to the British throne, in 2011. They met while attending the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

See more photos from Kate's life.

US President Joe Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden wished Catherine, the Princess of Wales, a full recovery.

"Jill and I join millions around the world in praying for your full recovery, Princess Kate," he said on X, formerly Twitter.

Before Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer on Friday, she had been mostly absent from the public eye since undergoing abdominal surgery in January.

Kate’s health and whereabouts became the subject of frenzied speculation, despite the palace reiterating that it had “made clear in January the timelines of the Princess’ recovery” and that the public should not expect to see her until after Easter.

Kate was first seen in public earlier this month after she was spotted in Windsor wearing dark sunglasses and sitting in the front passenger seat of a car driven by her mother, Carole Middleton.

Speculation about Kate’s health continued, putting pressure on the family to reveal more details.

Trying to put rumors to rest: In what appeared to be an attempt to end the rumors, Kate published an official photograph of her and her three children — George, Charlotte and Louis — on Mother’s Day, which was marked in the UK on March 10.

But instead of ending the speculation, it fueled it instead. Members of the public swiftly noticed several irregularities in the image. After a day of more amateur sleuthing, Kate admitted that she had edited the photograph, and apologized. Multiple global news agencies recalled the image from circulation hours later, citing manipulation concerns.

Records investigation: Most recently, the UK’s data watchdog said earlier this week that it is “assessing” reports that a staff member at the London Clinic allegedly tried to access Kate’s private medical records.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced Friday she has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the "early stages" of chemotherapy treatment.

The princess, known as Kate, described her diagnosis as a “huge shock” in a video statement that was filmed by BBC Studios at Windsor on Wednesday.

“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment," the princess 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."

Here's what we know so far:

• Few details expected: Kate, 42, who is married to the heir to the British throne, Prince William, did not say what type of cancer she had been diagnosed with and Kensington Palace is not expected to reveal any further medical details, such as what stage the cancer is in.
• Abdominal surgery: The announcement comes two months after Kate had stepped away from public life temporarily following what Kensington Palace said at the time was surgery for a non-cancerous abdominal condition. She remained in a London hospital for 13 days following the procedure. Kate was spotted in public last weekend for the first time since January, visiting a farm shop with her husband.
• Preventative chemotherapy: The princess started preventative chemotherapy in late February, a royal source told CNN. She had been expected to return to official duties after Easter. However, she will now postpone further work until she has been cleared by her medical team, the source said.
• Reactions: The news prompted a wave of sympathy and support from public figures around the world, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, King Charles, Prince Harry and Meghan, the head of England's National Health Service, Kate's brother James Middleton, French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as the White House and US first lady Jill Biden.
• King Charles also has cancer: Kate's diagnosis is a devastating blow for the British monarchy as King Charles III is currently undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer, which was announced in early February.
• How to tell children: In the time Kate spent away from the public before revealing her cancer diagnosis, one of her biggest priorities was finding the right way to tell her children, she said. CNN understands the royal couple wanted to wait for their young children to be out of school for the Easter vacation before making an announcement. When talking to young people about a parent's cancer diagnosis, experts advise taking the child's age into account. Read more for tips on how to talk to kids about cancer diagnoses.

Princess of Wales' "strength and resilience inspire us all," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote in a post on X on Friday.

James Middleton, the brother of the Princess of Wales, wrote a touching message on Instagram to his sister Friday after her shocking cancer announcement. 

The 36-year-old entrepreneur shared an old family photo of him with his teenage sister.

 

Prince Harry and Meghan have sent their well wishes to Catherine, Princess of Wales, after she announced a cancer diagnosis Friday.

"We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace," the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a statement.

US first lady Jill Biden posted a message of support on social media for Catherine, Princess of Wales, after the disclosure of her cancer diagnosis.

“You are brave, and we love you. ~Jill,” the first lady wrote on X while re-posting the video message from the princess earlier today. 

The video in which the Princess of Wales revealed her cancer diagnosis was filmed by BBC Studios at Windsor on Wednesday.

Kensington Palace is not expected to reveal any further medical details, such as the type of cancer or what stage it is.

The princess started preventative chemotherapy in late February, a royal source told CNN.

Kate had been expected to return to official duties after Easter. However, she will now postpone further work until she has been cleared by her medical team, the source said.

Prince William has been balancing supporting his wife and children while continuing his public-facing duties and will continue to do so, the source added.