Kate cancer diagnosis: Everything we know as princess reveals she is having chemotherapy
The Princess of Wales has revealed she is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer that was discovered following abdominal surgery she had in January.
Kate, 42, says she is in the “early stages” of treatment and has said she is “getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits”.
Here’s everything we know so far.
What treatment is the princess having?
The Princess of Wales has described the chemotherapy as “preventative”.
She says in her message: “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.”
Kate says she has a “fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful”.
“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment,” she says.
The princess did not reveal the type of cancer she is having treatment for, or what stage her cancer is.
Reassuring George, Charlotte and Louis
The princess says it has taken her and her husband Prince William “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 okay”.
She says she has told 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”.
‘William by my side’
Praising William, Kate said having him by her 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.”
The princess also says they need time as a family to focus on her recovery.
“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.”
Princess’s sweet message to people affected by cancer
To end her statement, the Princess of Wales talked about looking forward to getting back to work.
She also gave her thoughts to those affected by the disease.
“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.”
What is preventative chemo and how long does it last?
Thomas Moore, Sky’s science correspondent, explains the usual procedure following many surgeries.
“They do tests on the cells and that’s when they would have discovered that it was cancerous,” he says.
“When they are talking about preventative chemotherapy, that is in case there are any other cells that were left behind after the surgery, to make sure those are not the seeds of a cancer that grows back.”
He says it is hopeful that she has been diagnosed at a “fairly early stage” and there hasn’t been any spread.
He explains that some chemotherapies can be “very difficult to take” and the side effects can be “brutal” – but that isn’t always the case.
Moore explains chemotherapy normally takes between three and six months, with rounds of treatment where drugs are pumped directly into the veins. These drugs target cancerous cells – but also other cells like hair follicles.
“That is why we need to give huge understanding to Kate and what the family is going through.
“This is an awful lot to process. Cancer is still the diagnosis that no one wants to hear,” he adds.
“Even though the treatments have got much better and the outlook is much better than it’s ever been before, it’s still the dreaded diagnosis.”
Dr Karol Sikora, a consultant oncologist and leading cancer specialist, told Sky News this could be because the “risk of recurrence is high”.
“The way treatment is delivered is so much nicer now and it is really done very professionally and she will be getting the best care possible,” he says.
He explains that doctors are able to predict the “right treatment for the right patient”.
“Although it is unpleasant, chemotherapy is of great benefit,” he adds.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, Thursday November 30, 2023. Pic: PA
When did the princess get her diagnosis?
Laura Bundock, Sky’s royal correspondent, says Kate will have known “for some time”.
The princess began the course of preventative chemotherapy at the end of February, but we don’t yet know what kind of cancer she has or what stage it is – this is her “private medical information”.
Bundock says there had been a “huge amount of pressure” on the Princess of Wales during her absence from the public eye.
The “void” created has been “filled with wild speculation”, she says.
Bundock says it’s clear the reasons Kate has decided to go public, and this is “very much connected” to her children.
King ‘so proud of Catherine’
Buckingham Palace released a statement shortly after the princess’s video was released, saying: “His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’.
“Following their time in hospital together, HM has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.’
“Both Their Majesties ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.”
Harry and Meghan send best wishes
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have wished “health and healing” for the Princess of Wales.
They said they hoped Kate and her family were able to heal “privately”.
“We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” they said.
Read more:
Kate’s full statement
Live updates
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Timeline of events leading to princess sharing her diagnosis
When did the Princess of Wales have surgery?
On Wednesday 17 January, Kensington Palace said the Princess of Wales had undergone a successful planned abdominal surgery.
At the time, it was reported the procedure was routine and the princess’s condition was non-cancerous.
The palace said she would be off royal duties until after Easter while she takes time to recover.
The full statement read: “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery.
“The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for 10 to 14 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.”
Kate leaves hospital
On 29 January, it was revealed the Princess of Wales had been discharged from hospital.
Kensington Palace said in a statement: “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.”
The palace had earlier said Kate was keen to “maintain as much normality for her children as possible” while she recovers.
It also said that while she “appreciates” the level of interest the public will have in her wellbeing, she hopes they will respect her desire for her personal medical information to remain private.
A man has been charged with murder after 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin was killed and four people were injured near a London Tube station.
Two Metropolitan Police officers were among those hurt as they responded to reports of an attacker with a sword in Hainault, northeast London, on Tuesday.
The man charged has been named as Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, a 36-year-old dual Spanish-Brazilian national from Newham, east London.
He has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article.
Monzo will appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
The families of all those affected by the incident have been informed.
Daniel Anjorin was killed as he walked to school. Pic: Met Police
Daniel Anjorin was a pupil at Bancroft’s private school in Woodford Green – also attended by Nottingham attack victim Grace O’Malley-Kumar.
Staff and pupils at the school said they were in “profound shock and sorrow” at his death.
Daniel’s family told Sky News he was “a wonderful child” who was “well loved” and “hard working” – and that his death “leaves a gaping wound in the family”.
“No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today,” they said. “Any family will understand it’s an absolute tragedy.”
Floral tributes for Daniel have been placed in Hainault. Pic: PA
Monzo is accused of crashing a van into a fence just before 7am, and attacking two members of the public with a sword.
It is alleged he then killed the 14-year-old and seriously injured two police officers as they tried to stop him – one of whom nearly lost her hand.
The suspect was initially taken to hospital after suffering injuries in the van crash.
Jaswant Narwal, chief crown prosecutor for CPS London North, said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with the family of Daniel and all those who have been impacted by this horrific incident.”
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that they have a right to a fair trial,” she continued.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
The Met Office has issued warnings for rain and thunderstorms – with the alerts in place until Thursday morning.
The first warning began at 8pm and covers an area stretching from Portsmouth to Plymouth, and northwards to South Wales, and lasts until 8am.
Heavy rain is expected, with a chance of thunderstorms, and the Met Office said it could bring difficult driving conditions and some flooding.
The second warning kicks in at 11pm and covers nearly all of southeast England, stretching as far north as Oxford and including London. It’s in force until 6am on Thursday.
“Thunderstorms are likely at times later this evening and overnight, leading to travel disruption and some flooding,” said the Met Office.
There will be a risk of sudden flooding and power blackouts in both affected warning areas, added the forecaster.
There’s also a chance of hail and strong winds.
Flooding and lightning strikes could cause disruption on the roads, as well as delays and cancellations to rail and bus services.
Get the latest Sky News forecast for your area
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Around 2cm to 4cm of rain is expected overnight, with 5cm possible in some places.
“Much of this rain may fall over a two or three-hour period,” the Met Office said.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said: “You may well get woken up tonight by a rumble of thunder, or some flashes of lightning across parts of the South.
“A lot of heavy rain falling in a short space of time as well.”
He said it could create a lot of spray and surface water on the roads for commuters on Thursday morning.
Read more from Sky News:
Boy arrested for attempted murder
Radcliffe comments on JK Rowling fallout
Elsewhere, it will stay dry with temperatures mostly holding up in double figures across England and Wales, or staying at around 8C to 9C in towns and cities further north.
Deakin said: “A cloudy start then to Thursday one way or another, still some heavy bursts of rain early on across the South West.
“That should tend to clear away, but always the likelihood of further showers across southern parts of England, Mid and South Wales.”
He added: “Parts of northwest Scotland, Northern Ireland, northwest England, much of the Midlands down towards East Anglia should have a fine and sunny day tomorrow.”
The Scottish government has survived a vote of no confidence at Holyrood.
Scottish Labour pressed ahead with its motion despite Humza Yousaf announcing earlier this week his intention to stand down as SNP leader and first minister.
It failed by 58 votes to 70.
The Scottish Greens voted against the motion, with party co-leader Patrick Harvie branding it “chaos for the sake of chaos”.
If it had passed, all ministers in the minority SNP government would have been forced to quit.
Opening the debate, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar thanked Mr Yousaf for his service and wished him well, but said Scotland was “crying out for change” from the UK Conservative government and the SNP Scottish government.
He said the country needed “credible and effective leadership” to deal with “twin crises” in the economy and NHS.
Mr Sarwar added: “I have no confidence in the SNP’s ability to deliver that and that is why I am bringing this motion to parliament today.”
The outgoing first minister defended his government’s record, adding that in the 13 months he has spent in charge he had not “heard a single positive idea” from Scottish Labour.
Anas Sarwar thanked Mr Yousaf for his service, but said Scotland was ‘crying out for change’. Pic: PA
Mr Yousaf added: “What I have heard is the deafening sound of principle after principle being thrown out of Anas Sarwar’s window.
“U-turning on the two-child cap, U-turning on the devolution of employment law, U-turning on the devolution of drug law, U-turning on his support for Waspi women.”
Mr Yousaf said pro-UK parties, in their “cosy Westminster alliance”, would be “terrified” of a vote of no confidence.
He added: “As I have found out only too well in the last few days, politics is definitely about the choices we choose to make.
“As a government, I am exceptionally proud of our choices.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
What comes next for the SNP?
The debate and vote has come following the breakdown of the Bute House Agreement.
Within hours of the powersharing deal with the Scottish Greens coming to an end last week, Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross announced he would be bringing a motion of no confidence in the first minister.
Angry over the way the party was dumped from government, the Scottish Greens announced its MSPs would be backing the motion.
Scottish Labour then announced it was planning a motion of no confidence in the Scottish government.
Mr Yousaf reached out to his political opponents in an effort to stem the uprising but conceded that he had “underestimated the level of hurt and upset” his actions had caused Scottish Green colleagues.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Speaking to Sky News earlier on Wednesday, Mr Yousaf said: “I will certainly be regretting the way it ended.”
The Scottish Tories dropped their motion following Mr Yousaf’s resignation, but Scottish Labour pressed on as the party believes the decision on the next first minister should be put to the public.
Mr Yousaf intends to remain in post until his successor is announced.
Read more:
Who could replace Humza Yousaf?
What happens now following his resignation
SNP stands at a crossroads – what direction will party take?
Former deputy first minister John Swinney and ex-finance secretary Kate Forbes have emerged as potential frontrunners to throw their hat into the ring.
Kate Forbes speaking to journalists earlier this week. Pic: PA
Mr Sarwar pointed to reports that Ms Forbes could struggle to appoint ministers and described Mr Swinney as “the finance secretary that broke the public finances and the worst education secretary in the history of the Scottish parliament”.
Mr Ross, whose party threw its support behind the Scottish Labour motion, was forced to apologise to Mr Swinney after referring to him as “not so honest John” in the Holyrood chamber.
John Swinney at Holyrood on Tuesday. Pic: PA
Mr Ross was first reprimanded for referring to Mr Swinney as “honest John”, but when presiding officer Alison Johnstone reminded him not to use nicknames, he said: “Oh sorry, I thought it was on accuracy because it would be not so honest John with some of the things we’ve heard recently.”
Douglas Ross (pictured) was first reprimanded for referring to Mr Swinney as ‘honest John’. Pic: PA
Apologising, Mr Ross said: “I will apologise. I’m very sorry for any hurt caused.”
The Scottish Tory leader added: “Whether we have a bitter battle or a cosy coronation to elect the next leader of the SNP, they will continue campaigning for independence and the Scottish people will continue to be failed by them.”
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Environment11 months agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Sports3 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Sports6 months agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Environment1 year agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Technology3 years ago
Game consoles were once banned in China. Now Chinese developers want a slice of the $49 billion pie
-
Sports4 weeks agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game