The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has been diagnosed with cancer after tests following major abdominal surgery uncovered the disease. Kate became patron of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Rugby Football League (RFL) after Prince Harry stepped back from his former royal role, and the governing bodies have paid tribute to Princess via a post from England Rugby.
After hearing the devastating news, England Rugby posted a statement in support of Kate.
“Everyone at England Rugby is wishing our Patron HRH The Princess of Wales a full and speedy recovery,” the official England Rugby account posted. It was then re-posted by the Rugby Football Union account, a governing body supported by the Princess of Wales.
The news was announced at 6pm on Friday night, after a post was made by the official X account of both Prince William and Princess Kate. The post read “A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales,” and was accompanied by a video.
Kate’s lack of public appearances in 2024 have now been explained, after Kate recorded an emotional video message. “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,” she said.
“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 preventive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
Kate then admitted it was a major shock, and had initially planned to deal with the issue privately alongside husband Prince William. “As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment,” Kate added.
“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.”
Kate thanked William for being a source of “comfort” as he’s been by her side throughout. “As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both,2 Kate added. “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.”
