Princess Kate has been receiving chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer, with aides saying she will be off work until doctors believe she can return to duties.
The Princess of Wales went in for abdominal surgery on January 16 after being diagnosed with a non-cancerous condition.
Kensington Palace has never confirmed her original diagnosis but Kate in March recorded a video message in which she said later tests indicated the presence of cancer.
Here is everything we know about Kate's cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Princess Kate's Surgery
Kate was admitted to The London Clinic in January for planned abdominal surgery on the 16th, which was announced publicly a day later.
The operation was considered a success at the time and the palace still viewed it that way at the time of her cancer announcement in March.
A Kensington Palace statement read: "The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery.
"Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."
She spent around 13 days recovering, in keeping with the palace timeline, and was visited by both Prince William and King Charles III during her stay.
The initial palace plan for her to be out until after Easter would likely have carried into the second half of April due to the school holidays.
Kate's Cancer Diagnosis
Following her surgery, further tests were performed which identified that cancer had in fact been present and Kate was given chemotherapy.
A palace spokesperson would later say: "The princess started a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February."
Kate was still recovering from the physical trauma of the original operation when she got the difficult news. As she began the treatment a frenzy of media speculation was growing about her absence from public life.
There had not been a photograph of her since Christmas Day and the earlier palace statement suggesting she would be out of the public eye did not appear to prepare the public for the total absence of images.
Kate continued to receive chemotherapy throughout March as a social media trend for asking "where is Kate Middleton" went repeatedly viral, even being referenced by celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Andy Cohen.
The palace released the first official image of Kate since her surgery on March 10, U.K. Mother's Day, but it was subsequently shown to have been photoshopped by the princess, who apologized on X.
The saga added more fuel to the speculation on social media, with conspiracy theories about her absence from public life becoming increasingly wild and at points grotesque.
On March 22, Kensington Palace released a video message in which Kate announced she had been diagnosed with cancer and begun a course of chemotherapy.
The princess said: "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. 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.
"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."
Aides indicated the Kate and Prince William had held off revealing her diagnosis publicly in part to protect their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The trio were still at school at the time, meaning their mother's health would likely have been a talking point in the playground.
By the time Kate's video was released, they had broken up for the Easter holidays meaning the family could process the news in private.
Princess Kate's Return to Work
Kate had not been cleared by her doctors to return to work at the point the announcement was made, the palace said.
A spokesperson said: "Their Royal Highnesses understand the interest this update will generate and are grateful for the public support they have received throughout this period.
"Kensington Palace will provide information, when the time is right, and The Princess is able to restart work and her duties.
"In the meantime, we would ask that the family's privacy is respected."
"The princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team," the spokesperson added. "She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery."
The exact date of Kate's return to work is therefore heavily contingent on medical advice but there is no suggestion it will be any time soon.
After July, the royals will also be on their summer holiday at Balmoral, their estate in Scotland where they spend August each year.
Princess Kate's Cancer Announcement in Full
The Princess of Wales said in her video address: "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.
"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. 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.
"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.
"As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
"But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.
"As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.
"Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.
"We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
"At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone."
Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on Twitter at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about Charles, Camilla, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.
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Jack Royston is Newsweek's Chief Royal Correspondent based in London, U.K. He reports on the British royal family—including King Charles ... Read more
