Kate Middleton’s heartbreaking message to Prince William and kids as she reveals cancer diagnosis
The Princess of Wales has thanked the public for their continued support as she recovered from her surgery in January before explaining that she has since been diagnosed with cancer

The Princess of Wales has opened up about coming to terms with her devastating cancer diagnosis with her family.

In a personal video message to the public on Friday afternoon, Kate revealed that she had been diagnosed with the disease following her abdominal surgery in January. While doctors didn’t think she had cancer initially, post-op test results showed otherwise.

Kate Middleton and Prince William are continuing their support for U.K. athletes.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 42, have shouted out their backing for Team Great Britain at the Paralympics, which kicks off in Paris on Aug. 28.

In a message shared on their social media pages, the couple said, “Looking forward to another few weeks of incredible sport! Wishing the very best of luck to our @ParalympicsGB athletes and those competing at #Paris2024.” The message was signed with their first initials, “W & C,” indicating that the note came personally from the royals.

On the royal family’s official Instagram and X pages, Prince Edward also shared a message of support for the Paralympians. The Duke of Edinburgh, 60, has supported the British Paralympic Association since visiting the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona and became royal patron in November 2003.

“To all members of the @ParalympicsGB team heading for Paris, whether athletes, officials or staff, I want to wish you the very best of luck at the Paralympic Games,” King Charles’ youngest brother said.

Prince William and Princess Kate’s message comes shortly after the 2024 Paris Olympics wrapped, and they appeared in a video clip alongside famous faces like Snoop Dogg to express their praise of British athletes.

“From all of us watching at home, congratulations to Team GB!” the Princess of Wales, in a rare appearance amid her cancer treatment, said in the clip.

“Well done on all you’ve achieved. You’ve been an inspiration to us all,” added the Prince of Wales, who was sporting a new look in the footage: a summer vacation beard!

The Prince and Princess of Wales are avid sports fans and involved in many causes related to athletics. Kate is a patron of SportsAid, which helps emerging athletes, many of whom have taken part in the Paris games, make their journey to the top.

On Aug. 25, Prince William and Princess Kate were spotted heading to a morning service at Crathie Church on the Balmoral Estate, where the royal family traditionally gathers in the summer. They were staying at nearby Balmoral Castle with King Charles, 75, and other members of the royal family, including Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and their son, James Wessex.

It was a rare public outing for Kate, who revealed her cancer diagnosis in March saying that she was undergoing chemotherapy. At the time, she requested “time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.”

The couple is on vacation while their children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — are off from school for summer break, but Prince William’s next royal engagement is coming soon. For his return to work, he will visit the Homelessness: Reframed exhibit at the Saatchi Gallery in London on Sept. 5. The exhibit is a collaboration between William’s Homewards program and aims to help the public better appreciate, through art, the stories of those affected by homelessness.