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 League (RFL) after Prince Harry stepped back from his former royal role, and the governing body has paid tribute to Princess alongside a post from England Rugby.
After hearing the devastating news, the Rugby Football League and 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. “The RFL, and all in our sport, send our support and best wishes to our Royal Patron Catherine, Princess of Wales, @KensingtonRoyal, and all her family and friends,” The RFL added.
“The thoughts of everyone at the All England Club are with our Patron HRH The Princess of Wales, HRH The Prince of Wales and their family at this time,” The official Wimbledon account wrote in a statement. “We wish The Princess of Wales the very best as she takes the time she needs to make a full recovery.”
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 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.”