Prince William Reveals Shock Over Wife Kate's 2024 Cancer Diagnosis

A new book details the royal couple's private struggle after the unexpected news.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a new book, "William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story," royal editor Russell Myers reveals Prince William's reaction when he learned his wife, Princess Kate, had been diagnosed with cancer in 2024. The book describes William being left in "a state of disbelief" before he and Kate broke the news to their three children. The book also details William's deep love and admiration for Kate, saying "he worships her, truly" and that the diagnosis felt "like being hit by a bus."

Why it matters

The revelation of Kate's private cancer battle and William's emotional response sheds light on the challenges the royal family faces when dealing with serious health issues away from the public eye. It also underscores the strength of William and Kate's relationship and their commitment to supporting each other through difficult times.

The details

According to the book, when Kate underwent abdominal surgery in January 2024, doctors discovered she had cancer, though the specific type was never disclosed publicly. Kate then underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy, which she kept private until revealing it in a video message to the public in March 2024. The book describes William as being left in "a state of disbelief" upon learning the news, before he and Kate gathered their three children to break the diagnosis to them, telling the kids "mummy was ill, but that she was going to be okay."

  • In January 2024, Kate underwent abdominal surgery, during which doctors discovered she had cancer.
  • In March 2024, Kate publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis in a video message.
  • In June 2024, Kate made her first public appearance at Trooping the Colour since her diagnosis.
  • In September 2024, Kate announced the end of her cancer treatment in a video shot at the family's Anmer Hall residence.

The players

Prince William

The Prince of Wales, who is the husband of Princess Kate and future King of the United Kingdom.

Princess Kate

The Princess of Wales, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 at the age of 44.

Prince George

The eldest child of Prince William and Princess Kate, who was 12 years old at the time of his mother's diagnosis.

Princess Charlotte

The second child of Prince William and Princess Kate, who was 10 years old at the time of her mother's diagnosis.

Prince Louis

The youngest child of Prince William and Princess Kate, who was 7 years old at the time of his mother's diagnosis.

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What they’re saying

“One moment life was normal, and the next, everything changed.”

— Prince William (The Mirror)

“He worships her, truly. She's his world, and when the diagnosis came, it was as if the ground beneath him vanished.”

— Russell Myers, Royal Editor (The Mirror)

What’s next

The book does not mention any specific future newsworthy events related to Kate's cancer diagnosis and recovery.

The takeaway

The revelation of Princess Kate's private cancer battle and Prince William's emotional response underscores the challenges the royal family faces when dealing with serious health issues away from the public eye. It also highlights the strength of William and Kate's relationship and their commitment to supporting each other through difficult times.