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

The White House called news that Catherine, Princess of Wales, has cancer “terrible,” and said the administration was “incredibly sad to hear of the news.” 

“We just heard, obviously all of us, just heard the terrible news,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday, moments after the news broke. “Our thoughts are with the Duchess of Cambridge and her family members and friends during this incredibly difficult time, and certainly we wish her a full recovery.”

Jean-Pierre stressed it was “important that we respect their privacy, especially at this time, so I'm not going to go further than that.” 

“I know folks are going to ask if the president has spoken to her or the family,” she added. Referring to Kate by her previous title, Jean-Pierre said, “I can just say right now that we don't have anything to share at this time, but obviously we wish the Duchess of Cambridge a full recovery, and we are incredibly sad to hear of the news.” 

Asked if the White House was given a heads-up about the announcement, Jean-Pierre said they “learned just like all of you, and we want to be incredibly respectful of their privacy.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Catherine, Princess of Wales, has "the love and support of the whole country" after she revealed Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the "early stages" of treatment.

Sunak said Friday on X that Kate Middleton had shown "tremendous bravery with her statement" and that his thoughts were with her and "in particular her three children."

Kate had been "unfairly treated," Sunak said, and "subjected to intense scrutiny" in recent weeks and called for her to be given the privacy to focus on her recovery and be with her family.

"When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.

"I know I speak for the whole country in wishing her a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back in action when she's ready."

Opposition leader Keir Starmer said Kate has "the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too" during this "distressing time."

The Labour leader criticized "lurid speculation" about Kate's health and whereabouts and added that she was entitled to privacy.

The announcement that Kate has cancer is a devastating blow for the British monarchy as King Charles III is currently undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer, which was announced by Buckingham Palace in early February.

The update on the princess’s health came after Kate successfully underwent abdominal surgery on January 16. She remained in a London hospital for 13 days following the procedure and, on doctor’s advice, had since been away from public duties during her recovery.

"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous," Kate said in Friday's video statement. "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."

Kate was spotted in public for the first time since January, visiting a farm shop with her husband Prince William last weekend.

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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. 

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.

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.

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

The announcement, which the princess described as a "huge shock," came in a video message. Kate did not say what type of cancer she had been diagnosed with.

The news came two months after she had stepped away from public life temporarily following what Kensington Palace said at the time was surgery for a non-cancerous abdominal condition.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” said Catherine, 42, who is married to the heir to the British throne, Prince William.

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