The Princess of Wales, aged 42, was last seen in public on Christmas Day.
She participated in the annual church service and walked alongside other members of the royal family.
After this public appearance, news emerged that Middleton was undergoing 'planned abdominal surgery.'
However, this announcement sparked rumors, speculation, and even conspiracy theories.
Now, the Princess has released a statement.
When Middleton was last seen in public, she appeared happy and healthy as she headed to church at the royal Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England. Accompanied by her husband, Prince William, and their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, the family attended the service together.
Kate Middleton Announces Her Battle With Cancer In Heartbreaking Statement On January 17, shortly after this public appearance, the announcement of Middleton's surgery was made. However, some expressed skepticism, questioning why the surgery had not been previously disclosed if it was indeed planned.
Reportedly discharged on January 29, 14 days after the surgery, Middleton's absence from public view during this time raised concerns, especially since no photos were taken upon her departure from the hospital.
With no sightings of the Princess since then, speculation surrounding her well-being and the nature of her absence continued to intensify.
March 4 marked the release of the first image of Middleton since 2023, courtesy of TMZ.
Despite the release, the low image quality and apparent alterations to Middleton's appearance only fueled further speculation regarding her true location and condition.
In an attempt to address public concerns, the royal family shared another picture of Middleton. However, instead of calming speculation, this image only intensified it.
The edited nature of the image became evident, prompting major news outlets to withdraw it from circulation.
"In the Public Relations industry, a 'kill notification' is the coup de grâce of the media circuit," one person explained on X, formerly Twitter.
"For the Associated Press (AP) to issue this update, it means that something is TERRIBLY wrong. Think of it as a Cat. 5 cyclone. This is literally a death blow to any press source."
Phil Chetwynd, the global news director of Agence France-Presse (AFP), confirmed the details to BBC Radio 4's Media Show. "To kill something on the basis of manipulation is rare."
"We do it once a year maybe, I hope less. The previous kills we've had have been from the North Korean news agency or the Iranian news agency."
Kate Middleton Announces Her Battle With Cancer In Heartbreaking Statement Following the release of the image, conspiracy theorists raised questions about its authenticity, speculating whether it was taken in the previous year or if Middleton's face was digitally added from her Vogue cover.
Despite the palace's explanation, suspicions among the public only grew stronger.
"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," a statement, apparently from Middleton, read.
"I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C."
Kate Middleton Announces Her Battle With Cancer In Heartbreaking Statement Now, Middleton has chosen to address the situation herself.
"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," the statement begins.
"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."
Kate Middleton Announces Her Battle With Cancer In Heartbreaking Statement "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."
Kate Middleton Announces Her Battle With Cancer In Heartbreaking Statement "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."
