In a video shared online, Prince William of Wales, 41, can be seen chatting with women as he visits the town of Newcastle. They asked him a question that revealed news about his wife, Princess Catherine, 42.
After months of speculation, Catherine – also known as Kate Middleton – announced in late March that she was undergoing treatment for cancer. Prior to that announcement, she had abdominal surgery.
“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,” said the princess in a video posted to social media. Middleton explained that family needed time for her to recover from surgery and to explain the situation to her children before she could make a public announcement.
Between the announcement of the surgery and the cancer announcement, Middleton was not seen often in public and conspiracy theories about her whereabouts spread. She even apologized for confusion caused by a photo shared to royal social media accounts during that time that was apparently photo-shopped. People also debated about whether a video that appeared to be of the princess and William was real.
“The princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team,” an insider told Harper’s Bazaar around the time of the March announcement. The insider added that William would “continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year.”
On Monday, the official X account for the couple shared a photo for their 13th wedding anniversary. It also shared a photo of Princess Charlotte for her 9th birthday.
While Princess Catherine is still dealing with the medical challenge, Prince William told the women in Newcastle this week that his family is doing well. The couple has three children: Charlotte, Prince George, 10, and Prince Louis, 6.
“We’re all doing well,” Prince William told the women. This interaction was reported on by Harper’s Bazaar, The Daily Mail, USA Today and more.
Per the royal family’s X account, William was in Newcastle to visit James Palace U.K., which offers “free, life-saving treatment and support for men in suicidal crisis.”
In addition to Princess Catherine, William’s father, 75-year-old King Charles III, was also recently diagnosed with cancer.
“As His Majesty The King returns to public-facing duties, we know many people with cancer will understand that choosing to return to work can be a complex decision and can mean very different things to different people,” said Macmillan Cancer Support in a recent post shared by the royal family on Facebook.
“It’s important to understand some people may still be going through treatment and are still dealing with its side effects. They may require adjustments at work.”