Why Princess Kate cancer statement was made at exactly 6pm
Princess Kate underwent surgery in January and it has been revealed today that she has been diagnosed with cancer.
Kate Middleton confirms she has cancer
Today at exactly 6pm, it was announced that Princess Kate of Wales, has been diagnosed with cancer. The announcement's timing is for a very sensible reason, and was at exactly the same time that King Charles's cancer diagnosis was announced in February.
Kensington Palace shared the news to coincide with the BBC News at Six, but the press was told in advance to prepare.
Throughout history, consideration has often been given to the timing of major royal announcements so they could coincide with news broadcasts or newspaper publication times.
Media organisations were given the news with a 6pm embargo, meaning it couldn't be shared before then but allowing them time to prepare stories and television broadcasts.
Kate underwent successful surgery in January and at the time no tests showed any signs of cancer. However, post-operative tests subsequently found that cancer had been present. She is now undergoing preventative chemotherapy to ensure the cancer does not return.
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Kate is said to be in good spirits and focused on her recovery - with the public being asked to give her time, space and privacy. In a video, she said the diagnosis had been a "shock", but her husband Prince William has been a source of comfort.
She said: "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. 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."
It was also revealed that the diagnosis was the reason husband William had to pull out of the memorial service for King Constantine of Greece on February 27.
She will return to duties when she has been cleared to and none of the Wales family will attend the traditional Easter Sunday service. This week she was seen out and about for the first time since the her surgery, at a farm shop and then again in Windsor.
Just last month, King Charles was also diagnosed with cancer and that announcement came through at just before 6pm as well, for the same reason. The type and stage he has is unknown, but he is said to be "doing well".
King Charles underwent a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate at the London Clinic in February, where he remained for three days. He was subsequently diagnosed with cancer.
He has regularly been seen out and about, conducting his usual affairs of state, including meeting the Prime Minister since his diagnosis.
Timeline of Princess Kate’s health struggles
- December 25, 2023 - Kate was last seen in public at the Christmas Day church service
- January 17, 2024 - Kensington Palace confirm Kate had undergone abdominal surgery at The London Clinic
- January 29, 2024 - Kate is discharged from hospital and returned home to Windsor
- February half term - Kate and William take the children to Anmer Hall in Norfolk for the school holidays
- March 11, 2024 - Kate becomes embroiled in online storm over Mother’s Day picture
- March 16 - Video of Kate at a farm shop goes public
- March 22, 2024 - Kate announces her cancer diagnosis