News about the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, undergoing cancer treatment has resonated across the country, answering questions about her health while leaving a few unresolved points for the public to consider.
This article outlines what is known, and what remains unclear, about the condition of the wife of Prince William, the heir to the British throne.
The illness
Kate has cancer, or at least she has had it. In a video message she explained that after surgery on January 16 tests showed that there had been cancer and that doctors have advised her to undergo preventive chemotherapy.
The Kensington Palace, the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, has stated clearly that private medical information will not be disclosed and has urged that speculation about the cancer type or stage be avoided.
She said in the message that she is fine and growing stronger every day by focusing on what will help her recovery.
Treatment
The chemotherapy began in late February, according to a Kensington spokesperson who added that the princess is on a path toward recovery.
The treatment is taking place at a location that has not been disclosed, and it will continue for as long as the doctors deem necessary; the exact schedule will not be made public.
When selecting medical providers for the princess, her medical team considered factors such as the most appropriate specialists for her disease, potential impact on other patients or on resources, and the importance of privacy and security for Her Royal Highness.
Timeline
The sudden absence of Prince William from a Windsor church service, initially attributed to personal reasons, was linked to Catherine receiving the diagnosis. This happened on February 27.
It is now known that she and William chose to wait to go public until they felt the moment was right for their family.
They believed the best moment was when their three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, had started their Easter holidays, making the announcement at a time they considered most appropriate for the family.
First they waited for Catherine to come to terms with the diagnosis and recover from the operation, then they considered how to tell their children in the most suitable way.
Public appearances
The Kensington Palace will share updates about the princess’s return to public duties when the time is appropriate.
She will resume public engagements when her medical team approves, and she is in good spirits and focused on a full recovery, according to the spokesperson.
A return to public life may begin with isolated events early in treatment, which does not necessarily indicate a full return to regular public duties.
Prince William
Catherine highlighted the strong comfort and peace she felt with William by her side in the video message.
The rumor mill surrounding the couple’s marriage during Kate’s absence has been acknowledged by Kensington as a period of considerable strain for the family.
William remains grateful for the public response, stays focused on his wife and children, and tries to balance his duties as heir to the Crown while both his father and wife navigate their health challenges, including his father’s own cancer treatment at the time.
William plans to resume his schedule when the children return to school after the Easter break.