3 days ago
Princess Kate's Poignant Milestone in Cancer Journey
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Princess Kate is expected to attend Trooping the Colour this weekend, marking one year since her return to public life following her cancer diagnosis.
The Princess of Wales retreated from the public glare in the first half of 2024 after having abdominal surgery in January and later announcing a cancer diagnosis.
As she avoided the limelight, social media users circulated increasingly morbid conspiracy theories, with some even suggesting the palace was covering up her death.
The annual military parade, which Kate attended last June while undergoing chemotherapy, served as her first official appearance following her cancer announcement.
On Saturday, the princess—who said in January that she was in remission—is expected to return for another Trooping the Colour, King Charles III's birthday parade.
Princess Kate riding the Glass State Coach at Horse Guards Parade during Trooping the Colour in London on June 15, 2024.
Princess Kate riding the Glass State Coach at Horse Guards Parade during Trooping the Colour in London on June 15, 2024.
BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images
The 'Where Is Kate Middleton' Conspiracy Theories
Kate's team announced at the time of her abdominal surgery in January 2024 that she would spend a period of time out of the public eye.
However, when there were no post-surgery images of the princess, the rumor mill went into overdrive—with Kim Kardashian among high profile figures to join the social media trend of asking, "Where is Kate Middleton."
Amid a clamor for "proof of life" images of Kate following her surgery, the palace marked Mother's Day in the U.K. with an image of the princess surrounded by her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The photo caused its own controversy, however, when it emerged that Kate had made numerous edits to the image. International picture agencies issued a "kill notice" instructing news outlets not to use it.
Kate apologized on X, formerly Twitter, but the palace declined to release an original image, further fueling conspiracy theorists.
Princess Kate Announces She Has Cancer
On March 22, Kate released a recorded video announcing that she had been diagnosed with cancer and needed time away from the public eye.
"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous," the princess said.
She continued: "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."
Kate Chooses Trooping the Colour for Her Comeback
Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, some social media users continued to create pressure for a public appearance from Kate by suggesting that her March video was AI generated.
Two months after her announcement, Kate stepped out before the world's media, choosing a quintessentially royal moment for her comeback.
The princess accompanied her children during the carriage procession of Trooping the Colour wearing an outfit inspired by Eliza Doolittle, the commoner who pretends to be a duchess, in My Fair Lady.
Her appearance at the event was later described as a "boost to the nation." Louis likewise captured the hearts of the British public by dancing on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@ We'd love to hear from you.
