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 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after an elderly couple died following a fire at their home in St Helens.
Peter Eric Greener, 77, known as Eric, and his partner Sheila Jackson, 83, were caught in the blaze at their home on South John Street in the early hours of Tuesday.
Mr Greener died on Wednesday, while Ms Jackson died on Thursday.
Eric Greener. Pic: Merseyside Police
Sheila Jackson. Pic: Merseyside Police
Merseyside Police said an accelerant was used to start the fire.
On Sunday, the force said the suspect from St Helens had been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning.
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Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said: “Although an arrest has been made, I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to pass on information directly to police or anonymously via Crimestoppers, and not to comment or post in any way which jeopardises this ongoing work.”
DS Wilson said “extensive enquiries” continue.
She added: “And to that end we are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward, particularly if you live in the area of South John Street and recall seeing or hearing anything suspicious at around the time of the incident.
“Please do not assume what you know has already been reported to us, as we can quickly make that assessment.”
UK
How e-bike riders are doing double the speed limit – and many of them work for fast food delivery firms
It’s lunchtime on Birmingham’s New Street.
Close to its many restaurants, food delivery riders are congregating on their bikes.
The area is packed with shoppers and workers.
PC Paige Gartlan is approaching with other officers. She’s on the lookout for illegally modified e-bikes – and she knows she’ll find them here.
“You can physically tell by looking at the bike that it’s generally going to be illegal – the battery pack is taped on to the sides and generally the size of the motor that’s on the back wheel,” she explains.
Sky News has been invited on an operation by West Midlands Police to find these bikes and get them off the streets.
PC Gartlan has been hit by one before. She’s had to tackle a rider to the floor after he drove into her.
Within minutes, she’s spotted a suspicious-looking bike. The rider makes a run for it – followed by plain-clothed officers.
PC Gartlan tests the bike – it’s showing a top speed of 52km/hr on the speedometer – just over 30mph.
PC Paige Gartlan with a seized e-bike
The speed limit for e-bikes in the UK is 15.5mph when using electric power for assistance.
I look up the street and another two riders have been detained. In less than an hour, officers have confiscated four bikes – all were being ridden by fast food delivery drivers.
The commotion is attracting a lot of attention.
“They are dangerous,” Sandra, who has just finished work, tells me.
Demoz had his bike taken by police
She’s stood watching the riders being questioned. She says she’s had near-misses herself and is worried for the safety of the elderly and children.
It’s not just West Midlands police officers here – immigration officials are carrying out checks too. They’re involved in a nationwide operation, which has seen more than 7,000 arrests in the last year – a 50% increase on last year.
Matthew Foster, the immigration enforcement lead officer for the West Midlands, tells me they’ve already found one individual who has entered the UK unlawfully.
“He’s been detained,” he says, “to affect his removal from the UK.”
Further down the street, police are loading illegally modified bikes on to a van – they’re destined to be crushed. One of them had belonged to Demoz.
Read more:
Non-folding e-bikes banned on London Tube
E-bike and e-scooter crimes soar 730% in five years
An e-bike seized by West Midlands Police
He’s on his way home, carrying a big box with the logo of one of the main fast food delivery firms on it.
He tells me he used to have an illegal bike, but he thought his new one was legal.
“I make a mistake, I have to say sorry, I will do better for the future,” he says.
I get in touch with the big delivery firms; Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat.
Their representatives say they constantly remind workers of their safety obligations, and that they’re all working closely with the government to increase security checks on riders.
As he leaves, Demoz, now bike-free, tells me he’s thinking of changing his job.
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