Kate Middleton says she is cancer free
Key Takeaways
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, revealed her cancer diagnosis about 6 months ago; in September 2024, she said her chemotherapy treatment was complete.
While she disclosed that she is now cancer free, her prognosis is unknown by the public.
Whether cured or in remission, Princess Kate may face future effects from her treatment.
On September 9, 2024, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, disclosed that she has completed her chemotherapy treatment for cancer. “Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus,” she said in a video message, released 6 months after revealing her cancer diagnosis. Public speculation about her health began a couple of months before that, in January 2024.[]
“The last 9 months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you,” Middleton said in the video. “It also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.”
Diagnosis made public
In January, Kensington Palace issued a statement saying that Middleton had undergone “planned abdominal surgery.”[] But the cancer diagnosis was not revealed to the public until March, when Middleton released a video saying that post-operative tests had revealed cancer, and she was undergoing “a course of preventative chemotherapy.” The cancer type has not been disclosed.[]
The Princess has made several public appearances while undergoing chemotherapy. In June, before attending the Trooping the Colour parade, she revealed that while she was “making good progress,” her chemotherapy treatment would continue for a few more months.[]
Next steps
"Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes."
— Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, in a video message
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), some side effects from cancer treatment cause long-term problems while other side effects only arise months or years after treatment.[] Late treatment effects include bone loss; joint pain; and brain changes, such as memory loss, personality changes, movement problems, and poor cognition.
Other patients may experience endocrine changes, such as early menopause, sexual and fertility problems, and thyroid dysfunction. An array of other conditions can also ensue; vision and hearing problems; mouth changes, such as cavities, dryness and jawbone loss; heart problems, including congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease; lung damage; lymphedema; and post-traumatic stress. There is also the possibility of secondary primary cancers.
The NCI recommends “regular checkups, healthy eating and exercise” to help manage late effects of cancer treatment.[]
Remission
Kate Middleton said she is now cancer free, but her prognosis is unknown to the public. It is unclear if she is cured or in remission.
The NCI lists many factors affecting the prognosis in an individual with or following cancer, including the type, location, stage, and grade of the cancer—all factors that are unknown in Middleton’s case.[] Factors in her favor include her young age (42), apparent good health before cancer, and her response to cancer treatment.
If the Princess is not cured but in complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, but she may have to undergo monitoring for many years to check if her cancer returns. Most cancers that return will do so within the first 5 years after treatment, according to the NCI.
Middleton, who will undertake a light engagement schedule for the rest of the year, said, “[I’m] looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.”[]
What this means for you
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, recently completed her chemotherapy treatment for cancer. While she is cancer free, it is unknown what type of cancer she has and whether she is in remission or cured. Regardless, she may face long-term or late treatment effects.