The start of 2024 began with some serious health announcements from the royal family. On Jan. 17, 2024, Buckingham Palace released a statement revealing King Charles III would undergo hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate. It later said tests had identified a form of cancer for which the monarch would begin treatment. Afterward, Kensington Palace disclosed in a statement that the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, had undergone abdominal surgery at the London Clinic. It said the surgery had been “successful” and that the princess would remain in the hospital for a 10–14-day recovery period.

News of the pair’s hospitalization led to an outpouring of well wishes and support from their supporters worldwide. This came as no surprise, as Charles and Kate are among some of the most popular members of the royal family. But while Charles was lauded for his transparency surrounding his diagnosis, Kate’s initial silence over her condition led to increasingly bizarre theories and wild rumors bolstered by her disappearance from the public eye.

When Kate finally broke her silence to post a family portrait on Mother’s Day, possibly in an effort to quell the speculation, the move backfired. The photo was confirmed to have been manipulated, and a “𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 notification” was issued by various news photography agencies. Kate subsequently issued an apology, but this did little to stamp out the raging media frenzy. Photos of Kate seen out in public were scrutinized and believed to be fake, with the media and social media users offering theory after wild theory behind her absence.

Finally, on March 23, 2024, a video of Kate speaking frankly to the camera was shared on her official social media accounts. In it, she appeared calm and slightly fatigued as she dropped the bombshell that she had been diagnosed with cancer.

Kate Middleton (2023), (IMAGO/i Images)

In the video, Kate shared that after her successful abdominal surgery, doctors came back to her with devastating news.

“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,” she explained.

Kate also offered an explanation as to why she had kept the news private.

“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,” she said.

The Princess of Wales added her family needed “some time, space and privacy” while she completed her 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,” the princess said, reassuringly. “For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”

The news put an end to the fierce rumormongering of the weeks prior, but the focus on Kate did not waver. Instead, attention shifted toward deeper questions concerning just how much the royal family owes the public and the media’s sometimes intrusive approach to reporting on them.

In the wake of Kate’s video, parties have also begun to criticize other members of the royal family, such as Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, for what they feel is their part in changing the status quo.