Everything we know about the Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnosis, treatment and return to royal duties

The Princess of Wales is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis, with Kate, 42, having begun treatment in late February.

The Prince of Wales gave a positive update about his wife’s treatment during a visit to the Isles of Scilly earlier in May, saying “she’s doing well” when questioned by a hospital administrator.

At the end of May, Kensington Palace also shared an update on Kate’s work amid her ongoing recovery, with the Princess expressing excitement over her Business Taskforce’s report around prioritizing early childhood.

However, royal sources told HELLO! this did not signify a return to royal duties for Kate who “needs the space and privacy to recover” and will not go back to work until her medical team gives her the green light.

On 8 June, it was revealed that the Princess had written a letter to the Irish Guards to apologise for not being able to take the salute and wish them luck for The Colonel’s Review. Kate had been due to attend the Trooping the Colour rehearsal in her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment.

It is not known at this stage if the Princess will attend Trooping the Colour on Saturday 15 June.

Here’s everything we know about Kate’s surgery, recovery, subsequent cancer diagnosis and when she’s likely to return to public duties.

The mother-of-three announced the news in a personal video message on 22 March, where she explained that at the time of her abdominal surgery in January, her condition was believed to be non-cancerous. However, post-operative tests found cancer had been present.

“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,” said Kate in part.

The Prince and Princess wanted to share the news when they “felt it was right for them as a family”.

In her statement, Kate said: “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.”

What type of cancer does Kate have?

The type of cancer has not been disclosed by Kensington Palace as the senior members of the royal family endeavour to keep her personal health and medical records private.

Why did Princess Kate have surgery?

The reasons for Princess Kate’s major abdominal surgery which she underwent in January have not been disclosed. It was thought at the time that the procedure was non-cancerous, however, subsequent tests found that cancer was present.

On 17 January, it was confirmed by Kensington Palace that Kate had been admitted to the private London Clinic for planned abdominal surgery.

The palace released a lengthy statement, which added: “The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.

“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.

“Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.

“The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”

How long did Princess Kate stay in hospital?

The royal was discharged from the London Clinic on 29 January after a 13-day stay in hospital.

Kensington Palace shared in a statement at the time: “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.”

Hospital security breach

A security breach was reported to have taken place at the London Clinic, where Kate was treated. According to The Mirror, up to three people could have been involved in the alleged accessing of the Princess of Wales’s private medical records after Kate was discharged from hospital on 29 January.

The London Clinic vowed that “all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken” over any breach.

In a statement, chief executive of the London Clinic Al Russell said: “There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues.”

The news of the breach broke on 20 March – the day after William and Kate were spotted leaving the Windsor Farm Shop.

Has Kate been seen since her surgery?

The Princess was pictured for the first time since her surgery on 4 March, when TMZ published an unauthorised paparazzi shot of Kate sitting in the passenger seat of a car as her mother, Carole Middleton, drove the pair through Windsor.

A sweet family photograph of the Princess with her children, taken by William, was shared on Mother’s Day in the UK on 10 March, but the portrait sparked confusion as news agencies pulled the image after it was found to have been digitally altered.