1 / 11
Princess Kate underwent a planned abdominal operation in January this year. Her last public appearance was in December 2023. The public and media were concerned about her health. Keep reading to find out what the Princess of Wales has been going through in recent months...
2 / 11
December 25, 2023 was Kate's last public appearance. On January 17, 2024, it was announced that she was undergoing a "planned abdominal surgery". Kensington Palace announced that she would remain in hospital for 14 days and that it was unlikely that she would make any public appearances until March.
3 / 11
The following day, January 18, it was announced that Prince William had visited her in hospital. Eleven days later, on January 29, Kensington Palace issued a statement saying: "The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress. The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided. The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world."
4 / 11
On March 4, a picture of Kate was published by 'TMZ'. In the picture, she can be seen in the passenger seat of a car accompanied by her mother Carole Middleton, driving near Windsor Castle. However, the picture was not authorized or published by Kensington Palace, but it was the first time Princess Kate had been seen in public since December 25.
5 / 11
Following speculation about her participation in the annual Trooping the Color event, which will take place on June 8, Kensington Palace released a picture of Kate and her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, on March 10 to celebrate British Mother's Day. The picture was heavily criticized by the public for obvious manipulation, and several media outlets and agencies even pulled it from circulation. The next day, March 11, the Princess of Wales herself apologized on Instagram: "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused."
6 / 11
According to 'The Sun', Princess Kate was spotted in her favorite store on March 16. Witnesses and onlookers told the tabloid that "After all the rumours that had been going round I was stunned to see them there".
7 / 11
Then came the big shock on March 22: Princess Kate announced in an emotional video that she has cancer. During the abdominal surgery, which was originally thought to be benign, subsequent tests showed that cancer cells were present. "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," she revealed.
8 / 11
There is great sympathy and support from the family. King Charles spoke out just an hour after Kate's tragic statement. The statement read: "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did."
9 / 11
Kate's brother James Middleton also had his say on Instagram. He wrote: "Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too."
10 / 11
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan also commented on Kate's cancer. "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace," the statement said.
Princess Kate has been struggling with health problems in recent months since she had to spend 14 days in hospital following an abdominal surgery.
Her last official public appearance was in December 2023. This is the timeline from her surgery to the announcement of her cancer diagnosis.
