Kate Middleton: A timeline of her cancer diagnosis, surgery and absence from public duties
In March, Kate, the Princess of Wales, announced she was diagnosed with cancer.
Kate, the 42-year-old wife of Prince William and mother of their three children, announced her diagnosis after weeks of speculation about her health and well-being.
Since January, Kate has undergone abdominal surgery, taken time off from public duties and endured a photo editing controversy.
Here is a look at the timeline of events.
Dec. 6, 2024: Kate hosts annual Christmas carol service
Nearly one year after undergoing the abdominal surgery that resulted in a cancer diagnosis, Kate returned to the spotlight in a major way, hosting her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Kate -- wearing a red coat accented with a black bow and black boots -- was joined by her family at the service, which focused this year on the themes of love and empathy, according to Kensington Palace.
The full service, titled, "Royal Carols: Together at Christmas," airs on Christmas Eve in the United Kingdom, as it has done every year since 2021, when Kate first launched what has now become a royal Christmas tradition.
Oct. 10, 2024: Kate attends 1st public engagement since diagnosis
Eight months after announcing her cancer diagnosis, Kate stepped out in her first public engagement.
Kate joined William in Southport, England, the site of a knife attack at a local dance school in July that left three children dead and nine others injured.
Kate and William met with first responders as well as mental health health professionals working to support community members after the attack, which took place at a Taylor Swift-themed event.
Oct. 2, 2024: Kate hugs fellow cancer sufferer
Kate was photographed hugging a teen battling cancer as she continued her return to work following her own cancer diagnosis.
Kate met with the teen, named Liz, at Windsor Castle in her first royal engagement since her diagnosis where photographers were allowed.
Sept. 9, 2024: Kate says she has finished chemotherapy
Kate said in a video message shared by Kensington Palace that she is focused on staying "cancer free" and gradually returning to work after completing chemotherapy.
"As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," Kate said. "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown."
In the video, which captured an intimate glimpse of Kate and her family, the princess shared more about her plans for the near future.
"Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes," she said. "I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can."
Aug. 25, 2024: Kate joins family at Sunday service
Kate was joined by William and other members of the royal family at Crathie Kirk, a small church in Scotland near the royal family's Balmoral Estate.
During the outing, Kate donned a light brown trench coat paired with earrings and a feather hat, while William was seen sporting a navy blue suit.
July 15, 2024: Kate attends Wimbledon men's final
Kate received a standing ovation when she appeared at the men's singles final at Wimbledon with daughter Princess Charlotte and sister Pippa Middleton Matthews by her side.
Kate, a longtime tennis fan and royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, sat in the Royal Box at center court to watch Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic face off in the final for the second year in a row. After the final, Kate presented the championship trophies to the players.
June 15, 2024: Kate joins royal family at Trooping the Colour
Kate stepped out at Trooping the Colour, her first public appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis.
Kate joined William and their three children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, as well as other royal family members at the annual military parade held to celebrate the king's official birthday.
Wearing a white dress with black trim by Jenny Packham and a matching hat, Kate rode with George, 10, Charlotte, 9, and Louis, 6, in a state carriage, the Glass Coach, down the Mall during the parade.
Following the parade, Kate and her family joined senior members of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the military flyover.
June 14, 2024: Kate says she is 'making progress' amid chemotherapy
Kate shared in her first message since her diagnosis that she is "making good progress" but is not "out of the woods yet."
"I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days," Kate said in a written message shared on June 14 by Kensington Palace. "On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well."
Kate said her treatment will continue "for a few more months," adding, "On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home."
Kate also described herself as having been "blown away" by the support she has received since publicly revealing her diagnosis.
"It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times," she said, adding at the end of her message, "Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me."
June 5, 2024: William shares update on Kate
While meeting with World War II veterans in Portsmouth, England, on June 5, to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, William was asked by one veteran whether Kate was "getting any better."
In response, William said, "Yes," adding, "She would've loved to be here today."
April 29, 2024: William, Kate celebrate 13th wedding anniversary
William and Kate celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary out of the public eye, but they did share a new glimpse into their wedding.
The couple, who wed on April 29, 2011, shared on social media a never-before-seen portrait of themselves taken on their wedding day inside Buckingham Palace.
The photo of a smiling William and Kate was shared with the caption, "13 years ago today!"
April 18, 2024: William returns to work
William visited a nonprofit organization in Surrey, England, on April 28, marking his first official public appearance since Kate revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer.
William received cards of well-wishes for Kate and Charles from volunteers at the nonprofit organization, Surplus to Supper, according to a video shared on X by Lizzie Robinson, of ITV News.
"Thank you very much. That's very kind," William told one volunteer who handed him the cards.
March 31, 2024: William, Kate miss Easter service with royal family members
William and Kate and their kids were absent from the annual Easter Mattins Service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, where Charles and Camilla were joined by other family members.
The Waleses' absence from the service was expected as it came just over one week after Kate shared her cancer diagnosis.
March 23, 2024: Kate, William 'enormously touched' by well wishes
Kensington Palace shared that Kate and William were "enormously touched" by the outpouring of public support following the release of Kate's video message.
"The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness' message," a palace spokesperson said in a statement Saturday. "They are extremely moved by the public's warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time."
In addition to receiving well wishes from the public, William and Kate also received messages of support from family members, celebrities and world leaders, including President Joe Biden.
"Jill and I join millions around the world praying for your full recovery, Princess Kate," Biden shared in a message on X.
"You are brave, and we love you," First Lady Jill Biden said to Kate in a message also shared on X.
William's brother, Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, said in a statement, "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace."
March 22, 2024: Kate publicly reveals cancer diagnosis
Kate shared in a video statement that after undergoing abdominal surgery, tests showed "cancer had been present."
"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," Kate said. "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."
Describing the impact on William and their three children, Princes George and Louis and Charlotte, Kate continued, "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."
March 20, 2024: Hospital staffers reportedly investigated for trying to access Kate's records
Staff at the London Clinic, where Kate underwent surgery, are reportedly suspected of trying to access her private medical records.
The investigation has reportedly expanded to three staffers at the clinic, according to ITV News.
The Information Commissioner's Office, the U.K. privacy and data protection watchdog, confirmed to ABC News it had received a security breach report involving the London Clinic, a London hospital known for treating high-profile people, including other members of the royal family.
"We can confirm that we have received a breach report and are assessing the information provided," an IOC spokesperson said in a statement.
Al Russell, CEO of the London Clinic, said in a statement, in part, "We have systems in place to monitor management of patient information and, in the case of any breach, all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken. There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues.”
Kensington Palace declined to comment on the reported security breach, telling ABC News, "This is a matter for the London Clinic."
March 19, 2024: Photo agency issues editing notice on 2nd royal family photo
Getty Images added an editor's note on a photo that was taken by Kate in 2022 of the late Queen Elizabeth II and some of her great-grandchildren.
Last April, Kensington Palace shared the photo on the social media accounts of Kate and William to mark what would have been the queen's 97th birthday.
Credit for the photo was given to Kate.
In its editor's note, Getty Images says the photo "has been digitally enhanced at source."
The palace has not commented on the addition of the editor's note to Kate's photo of the late queen.
March 16, 2024: Kate spotted at farm shop with William
Kate was seen looking "happy, relaxed and healthy" on a visit to a local farm shop with William near their home in Windsor, England, on Saturday, according to the U.K.'s The Sun newspaper.
A video of Kate and William at the farm shop, obtained by TMZ and shared on March 18, is the first video footage the public had seen of Kate since she was hospitalized.
Earlier in the day Saturday, William and Kate reportedly watched their three children play sports, according to The Sun.
March 14, 2024: News agency says Kensington Palace is no longer a trusted source
Phil Chetwynd, global news director at Agence France-Presse, said in an interview with BBC Radio that Kensington Palace is no longer considered a trusted source after the photo editing controversy.
"No, absolutely not," Chetwynd said. "Like with anything, when you're let down by a source, the bar is raised."
Chetwynd added that news agencies around the world called a meeting to address the issue once they realized the photo shared by the palace of Kate and her children "clearly violated" their rules, leading them to issue a "kill notice" to publishers around the world.
According to Chetwynd, issuing a "kill notice" for a photograph based on manipulation is a very rare occurrence.
"And we've got, you know, major issues internally as to how we validate that photo. We shouldn't have done it," he said. "It violated our guidelines and, therefore, you know, we sent out notes to all our team at the moment to be absolutely super more vigilant about the content coming across our desk, even from what we would call trusted sources."
March 11, 2024: Kate issues public apology over photo
Kate acknowledged in a public apology that her Mother's Day photo was edited and apologized for any "confusion" those alterations caused.
"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," she said in a statement on X. "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."
Kate again signed her message "C."
Kensington Palace said it would not be reissuing the original unedited photograph of Kate and her children.
Later on March 11, Kate was photographed sitting next to William in a chauffeured car.
William attended two public engagements that day, a Commonwealth Day service and an Earthshot Prize event, and did not comment on Kate or the photo controversy.
March 10, 2024: Photo agencies retract Kate's photo
The photo of Kate and her kids was picked up by several international news agencies, including The Associated Press, Reuters, Getty Images and Agence France-Presse.
Those agencies later retracted the image, saying it may have been edited by the royals prior to its release.
The Associated Press said it appeared "the source had manipulated the image in a way that did not meet AP's photo standards."
PA Media Group, a news agency in the United Kingdom, also retracted the image.
Hany Farid, a computer science professor at the University of California, Berkeley, told ABC News his analysis of the photo shows "relatively minor photo manipulation."
"If you look at the sleeve of the girl on the right, you see what looks like traces of manipulation," Farid said, referring to the sleeve of Charlotte's sweater. "I think most likely it is either some bad photoshop to, for example, remove a stain on the sweater, or is the result of on-camera photo compositing that combines multiple photos together to get a photo where everyone is smiling. For the latter, if the subjects move between successive images, it can cause this type of ghosting."
Farid continued, "Either way, I think it is unlikely that this is anything more than a relatively minor photo manipulation. In addition, there is no evidence that this image is entirely AI-generated."
March 10, 2024: Kate shares photo and message on Mother's Day
Kate marked Mother's Day in the U.K., March 10, by sharing a photo on X of herself smiling and surrounded by her three kids. The image was the first official photo of Kate the public had seen since December.
"Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day," Kate wrote in the post, which was signed "C," a nod to her full name, Catherine.
The post credited William as the photographer.
March 6, 2024: Palace issues William's response to online speculation about Kate
Amid the speculation around Kate's well-being, a palace spokesperson issued a brief statement to People magazine.
The spokesperson said of William, "His focus is on his work and not on social media."
March 4, 2024: Kate is photographed in a car with her mom
Kate was seen for the first time since December when she was photographed riding in a car driven by her mom on March 4.
Kate and her mom Carole Middleton were photographed in Windsor, England, where Kate and her family live.
The photograph was not released or authorized by Kensington Palace.
Feb. 29, 2024: Palace spokesperson shares update on Kate
Amid a growing amount of online speculation about Kate's health, a palace spokesperson told ABC News on Feb. 29, that Kate was "doing well" as she continued to recover.
The spokesperson also brushed off online speculation, telling ABC News in a statement, "Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess' recovery and we'd only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands."
The comment on Kate was the first one shared by the palace since late January, when Kate was discharged from the hospital.
Feb. 27, 2024: William misses royal engagement due to 'personal matter'
Online speculation about Kate's well-being reached a fever pitch in late February, when William had to drop out of a royal engagement due to what the palace said was a "personal matter."
On Feb. 27, William missed the service of Thanksgiving for his godfather, King Constantine of Greece, at St. George's Chapel.
ABC News confirmed at the time that the personal matter was not related to Charles' health.
"Unfortunately, The Prince of Wales is no longer able to attend the King Constantine Memorial Service this morning due to a personal matter," the palace said in a statement at the time, declining to share further details.
Feb. 18, 2024: William attends the BAFTA Awards without Kate
As William resumed his public duties, he arrived solo at the 2024 BAFTA Awards, one of the most high-profile events Kate has traditionally attended with her husband each year.
This year, William, who serves as president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, walked the red carpet and attended the awards show on his own.
Feb. 7, 2024: William resumes public duties
William returned to his public duties for the first time following Kate's surgery and made his first public comments about Kate.
Earlier in the day on Feb. 7, William led an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, stepping in for his father, King Charles III, whose cancer diagnosis had been publicly shared just two days prior, on Feb. 5.
In the evening, William attended a fundraising gala alongside Tom Cruise for London's Air Ambulance Charity, where he spoke about both Charles and Kate.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially, in recent days," he said. "It means a great deal to us all."
Following up with a joke, he added, "It's fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather 'medical' focus. So, I thought I'd come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all."
Jan. 29, 2024: Kate is discharged from the hospital
On Jan. 29, Kensington Palace shared an update, stating that Kate had been discharged from the hospital.
"The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress," the palace said. "The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided."
The spokesperson added, "The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world."
Jan. 18, 2024: William is photographed leaving the hospital
William was photographed driving himself away from the London Clinic, presumably after a private visit with Kate.
The couple's three children were not believed to have visited Kate in the hospital during her stay.
Jan. 17, 2024: Kate has 'successful' surgery, Kensington Palace reveals
The day after Kate was admitted to the hospital, the palace issued a public statement announcing that Kate had been hospitalized on Jan. 16, for "planned abdominal surgery."
The palace said the surgery was "successful," and that Kate was expected to remain hospitalized for 10 to 14 days before returning to the family's home to recover. The palace did not provide further details on the type of surgery Kate underwent but confirmed to ABC News that the princess's medical issue was non-cancerous.
At the time, the palace noted that Kate would likely not resume her public duties "until after Easter."
"The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate," the palace said. "She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private."
"The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements," the statement continued. "She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."
The palace also said that William would temporarily postpone his engagements to help care for Kate and their kids as she recovered.
Jan. 16, 2024: Kate is admitted to a London hospital
Kate was admitted to the London Clinic on Jan. 16, according to a statement issued by Kensington Palace the next day.
Dec. 25, 2023: Kate makes her last official public appearance
Kate joined members of the royal family as they walked to church at Sandringham on Christmas morning, following royal tradition.
Kate, dressed in blue, was seen smiling and talking to onlookers as she and William walked hand in hand with George, Charlotte and Louis at the royal family's estate in Norfolk, England.
ABC News' Kevin Shalvey and Zoe Magee contributed to this report.
