Draft:2024 Cancer diagnosis in the British royal family

This page is about Cancer diagnosis of Charles III and Catherine, Princess of Wales. For the speculation about Catherine's absence, see Where is Kate?

The Cancer diagnosis in the British royal family in 2024, marked the cancer diagnosis of Catherine, Princess of Wales and Charles III. In February 2024, the Buckingham palace confirmed that Charles III, King of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms had cancer. After recovering from major abdominal surgery, the princess of Wales Revealed She had cancer.

Overview

Catherine's diagnosis

In January 2024, Kensington Palace announced that, Catherine had been admitted at the London Clinic and had undergone planned abdominal surgery. After recovering from the surgery, Catherine, Princess of Wales announced through a personal video message, that her post operation diagnosis confirmed that she had cancer and that she had begun preventative chemotherapy.

Statement

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.

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.

As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my 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.

Charles III's diagnosis

Cancer diagnosis announcement of Charles III

Reaction on Cancer diagnosis

Rishi Sunak Twitter @RishiSunak

Replying to @RoyalFamily

Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery.

I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.

5 February 2024

Following the cancer diagnosis of Charles III, the reactions came all over the world. British prime minister, Rishi Sunak wished the Monarch a " full and speedy recovery".

Following the diagnosis, Charles's younger son Prince Harry returned to london to visit his father. Harry following the visit said that, "I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could".