Royals Kate Middleton Reveals Cancer Diagnosis: Full Recap The Princess of Wales, 42, opened about her health following her January planned abdominal surgery By Lindsay Kimble Lindsay Kimble Lindsay Kimble is the Executive Editor, News at PEOPLE. She have been working at PEOPLE for seven years. Her work has previously appeared in POPSUGAR, Us Weekly and Entertainment Weekly. People Editorial Guidelines and Maria Mercedes Lara Maria Mercedes Lara Maria Mercedes Lara is the Digital Content Operations Director for PEOPLE and has been working for the brand since 2015. She has over 15 years working an editor and journalist in digital news. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 22, 2024 05:47PM EDT Kate Middleton. Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage Kate Middleton has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy — a revelation the Princess of Wales shared on Friday in a personal video message released by Kensington Palace. The news comes just months after Princess Kate had undergone a "planned abdominal surgery"on Jan. 17. In her new message, she said that at the time of her surgery, it was understood that the issue was non-cancerous. Ultimately, post-operative tests "found cancer had been present." The type of cancer was not revealed in Princess Kate's message, and a Kensington Palace spokesperson says, "We will not be sharing any further private medical information. The Princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do." Princess Kate assured viewers "I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits." Keep reading for a recap of the Princess of Wales' cancer revelation — including how her family has been supporting her during this challenging time. On Friday, March 22, Kate Middleton revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer and undergoing "preventive chemotherapy."The Princess of Wales said that the cancer was discovered after her abdominal surgery in January.Kate explained that she and Prince William had been taking time to explain her health issues to their three children and she was taking a step back from work to focus on her health and recovery.Many rushed to send words of support to Kate, including her brother-in-law Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, who wished her "health and healing."Kate's news makes her the third member of the royal family to publicly reveal that they have been recently diagnosed with cancer. King Charles and Sarah, Duchess of York, had both previously revealed that they had been diagnosed with cancer. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Wish Kate 'Health and Healing' March 22, 2024 05:37 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a statement to PEOPLE shortly after Kate revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer. "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace," they said. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Speak Out Following Kate Middleton's Cancer News: 'We Wish Health and Healing' Organizations Close to Kate's Heart Voice Their Support March 22, 2024 04:33 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post Several organizations where Kate serves as a patron have posted their support for her recovery on X. Kate Middleton, King Charles and Sarah Ferguson All Have Cancer in Unprecedented Royal Family Crisis March 22, 2024 04:18 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post The Princess of Wales is the third member of the royal family to reveal that they have recently been diagnosed with cancer. King Charles announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer back in February, a few weeks after Kate's abdominal surgery was announced. In January, a representative for Sarah, the Duchess of York, revealed that she had been diagnosed with skin cancer. The Duchess had previously revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer last summer. Continue reading the full story Politicans Share Support for Kate Middleton March 22, 2024 04:08 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared words of support for the Princess of Wales "on behalf of all Canadians." The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, also posted words of encouragement. Humza Yousaf, the First Minister of Scotland, said he was praying for Kate's "swift recovery." Archbishop of Canterbury Offers Prayers for the Princess of Wales March 22, 2024 04:02 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post Shortly after Kate Middleton revealed her cancer diagnosis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby voiced his support and offered up prayers. The Church of England also offered up a prayer for Kate. Kate Waited Until George, Charlotte and Louis Were Off from School Before Making Cancer Announcement March 22, 2024 03:57 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post Lambrook School, the private prep school that Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis all attend, is currently on a half-term break for a few weeks for Easter. The Prince and Princess of Wales are known to clear their calendars when their children are off from school, and this instance is likely no different. The Wales family often spends school breaks, weekends and holidays at Anmer Hall, their country home in Norfolk, about 110 miles north of London. Because of the school break, Kate may have strategically waited to announce her headline-making cancer news until she could ensure that her children were out of the classroom and surrounded by their family. Why Kate Middleton Waited Until George, Charlotte and Louis Were Off from School to Share Cancer News When Will Kate Middleton Return to Royal Duty amid Cancer Treatment? March 22, 2024 03:52 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post After revealing in an emotional video message on Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer, more questions have arisen about when the Princess of Wales is expected to return to royal engagements. According to Kensington Palace, Kate will make her official return based on advice from her doctors as she undergoes chemotherapy. "The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery," a palace spokesperson said on Friday. Continue reading the full story James Middleton Shares Support for His Sister March 22, 2024 03:48 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post James Middleton in 2019. Jeff Spicer/Getty Kate Middleton's younger brother, James, shared support for his sister shortly after she revealed her cancer diagnosis to the world. "Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together," he wrote alongside a childhood photo. "As a family, we will climb this one with you too." Kate Middleton's Brother Shares Support amid Cancer News with Unseen Photo: 'We've Climbed Many Mountains' How Kate Middleton Is Talking to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis About Cancer Treatment March 22, 2024 03:44 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post When Princess Kate revealed on Friday that she had been diagnosed with cancer, she said she and William had been focusing on how to explain the news to their three children: Prince Geroge, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. From left: Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Princess Kate in 2023. Yui Mok/WPA Pool/Getty "As you can imagine, this has taken time," Kate said. "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," she added. Continue reading the full story Prince William Abruptly Pulled Out of Godfather's Memorial Service amid Kate Middleton's Cancer News March 22, 2024 03:37 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2023. Chris Jackson/Getty Images Prince William dropped out of the ceremony honoring his godfather King Constantine of Greece last month amid Kate Middleton's cancer treatment. The Princess of Wales, 42, revealed on Friday that she is undergoing treatment for cancer, which was discovered in post-operative tests related to her abdominal surgery on Jan. 16. On Feb. 27, the Prince of Wales, 41, pulled out of the service of Thanksgiving at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle honoring his godfather at the last minute. At the time, the palace revealed he was unable to attend due to a personal matter. Prince William was set to do a reading at the service, according to the order of service. Continue reading the full story Read Kate Middleton's Full Statement on Her Cancer Diagnosis March 22, 2024 03:30 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post "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." Kate Middleton’s Own Words Announcing Her Cancer Diagnosis: Read Her Official Statement Olivia Munn Shares Support for Kate Middleton March 22, 2024 03:20 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post Numerous celebrities were quick to send well-wishes to the Princess of Wales, including Olivia Munn, who recently revealed her own cancer diagnosis. "Thank you for showing what it’s like to fight with grace and determination for yourself and for your family. Wishing you all the best," the actress wrote in the comment section of Middleton's post on Instagram. Last week, the X-Men: Apocalypse actress, 43, posted a series of photos on her Instagram account from 2023 when she was undergoing treatment in the hospital after learning she has breast cancer. Olivia Munn Shares Support for Kate Middleton Following Her Cancer Diagnosis: 'Wishing You All the Best' King Charles — Who Is Also Facing Cancer —Is 'So Proud' of Princess Kate, Spokesperson Says March 22, 2024 03:20 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post King Charles III, who announced he was diagnosed with cancer in February, has been in "close contact" with his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton amid her own diagnosis. According to a spokesperson for the King, he's "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did." King Charles Informed of Kate Middleton's Cancer Diagnosis as He Also Undergoes Treatment for Cancer King Charles III and Kate Middleton. Samir Hussein/WireImage; Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Princess Kate Says Her 3 Children Are Part of the Reason She Waited to Publicly Share Her Diagnosis March 22, 2024 03:11 PM EDT Copy The Link To This Blog Post In the Princess of Wales' personal video message on Friday, she outlined how she waited to publicly disclose the diagnosis so she could prioritize explaining her cancer to her three children with husband Prince William: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. "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," Princess Kate said. Refresh for New Updates