Early 2024 brought a wave of health challenges for the British royal family. On Jan. 17, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III would undergo hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate.

The next day, Queen Camilla reassured the public that he was “fine” and eager to return to work.

That same day, Kensington Palace revealed that the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, had undergone a planned abdominal surgery. They shared that the operation had been “successful,” but Kate would need up to two weeks in the hospital to recover.

The news prompted global support, but within weeks, the situation became more serious.

Two Cancer Diagnoses

By February, the palace confirmed that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. As public concern grew for Kate, who had not been seen for some time, she eventually appeared in a heartfelt video sharing that she, too, was undergoing cancer treatment.

Prince William took time away from public duties to support Kate and their children. On April 18, 2024, he returned to official duties, where crowds wished him, the princess, and the king well. That same day, he made a touching promise to a woman who handed him get-well cards for Charles and Kate.

Support From the Public

During their absence from royal duties, Queen Camilla and William stepped forward to support Charles and Kate. The public also continued sending messages of encouragement. One social media user, @AllemarieHoll1, shared her surprise at receiving a thank-you card from Kensington Palace after mailing Kate a get-well note.

“Today I received this beautiful acknowledgement and I can honestly say I shall treasure this my entire life,” she wrote.

Broadcaster Kate Garraway also revealed she received a heartfelt letter from the couple after her husband’s passing, calling it a touching gesture given Kate’s own health struggles.

Will Kate Return Soon?

Recent optimism surrounding Kate’s recovery led to speculation that she could return to public life sooner than expected. Royal correspondent Cameron Walker said that while she is still undergoing preventive chemotherapy, “she may well decide to attend certain events if she feels up to it.”
However, he clarified that a full return won’t happen immediately: “In terms of a return to full-scale public duties… that will take some time.”

Kensington Palace confirmed Kate will resume work only when her medical team approves, noting: “She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.”

Continuing Royal Traditions

Despite her treatment, Kate maintained one beloved tradition: releasing a birthday portrait of Prince Louis. This year’s photo, posted on his sixth birthday, showed the young prince smiling in a multicolored gingham shirt — and credited Kate as the photographer.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said fans would have been “disappointed” if the tradition was broken, adding that Kate’s video revealing her diagnosis was “probably the bravest by any public figure about their health in Britain.”

During William’s April 18 engagement at Surplus to Supper in Surrey, volunteer Rachel Candappa handed him get-well cards for Charles and Kate. Visibly moved, William said, “Thank you, you are very kind,” and when she urged him to take care of Kate, he gently replied, “I will.”

Candappa later shared the emotional letter she wrote to Kate, expressing admiration for her strength and assuring her that “the whole nation will be behind you.”

Public Expectations and Royal Response

William’s charity appearance sparked a wider discussion about royal transparency. Some commentators argued that Kensington Palace’s approach to Kate’s health had been overly cautious compared to the openness around the king’s diagnosis.

Others praised William for handling an incredibly difficult period with dignity. Fitzwilliams noted the appearance was a “well-timed” signal that the royal family is continuing its work, adding: “The royal family obviously needs him… He is clearly looking after the children as far as feasible.”