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Prince William reportedly felt an “old wound he had spent decades learning to live around” come back. This happened after Kate Middleton was diagnosed with cancer in 2024. According to the Express, royal expert Ingrid Seward wrote in her book, Catherine & Diana. 

When Middleton fell ill, “[William experienced a] sense of being thrust into a story he had never chosen.” It goes back to Princess Diana’s death. William was just 15 when his mother died in the 1997 Paris car crash. Seward also claimed the diagnosis pushed William to stay close to his family. 

She said the thought of losing Middleton was “intolerable” for him. Seward added, “so he made sure he wouldn’t – by being there at every turn.” Middleton went into a London hospital in January 2024 for planned abdominal surgery. At the time, Kensington Palace didn’t reveal anything about cancer. 

The Princess of Wales later opened up about it in a video message shared by Kensington Palace in March 2024. “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London. At the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” she said. 

Middleton then explained the surgery had been successful. However, “tests after the operation found cancer had been present.” “This, of course, came as a huge shock,” Middleton said. She added that she and William had been “doing everything we can.” 

They also wanted to manage it privately for the sake of their young family. She needed time to recover from the surgery before starting treatment. But, most importantly, she said, it had taken time to explain everything to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

They wanted to do it “in a way that is appropriate for them.” Middleton also said that William was there for her throughout the ordeal. “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too.” Middleton didn’t reveal the type or stage of her cancer. 

Her diagnosis also came during a tough year for the royal family. King Charles was also diagnosed with cancer in 2024. William later opened up about that period during an interview in South Africa. Speaking to reporters in Cape Town in November 2024, he said, “Honestly, it’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life.” 

He also praised Middleton and Charles for how they handled their health problems. “But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal,” he said. Middleton confirmed in January 2025 that she was in remission. 

She shared the update in a written message on social media after visiting The Royal Marsden Hospital in London. “It is a relief to now be in remission, and I remain focused on recovery,” she said. She added, “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.” 

Middleton has since returned to royal duties. She made a solo trip to Italy in May 2026. Then, in June, she completed the Three Peaks Challenge in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.  As part of the challenge, she climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

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