How the British royal family has dealt with cancer diagnoses through the years
In 2024 alone, three members of the British royal family – the Princess of Wales, King Charles and Sarah, Duchess of York – have revealed cancer diagnoses.
In this day and age of social media and a 24/7 news cycle, this level of openness from public figures might not feel revolutionary – but it's a stark difference to how the monarchy has dealt with cancer in the past century.
Read on to see why.
The Princess of Wales
The Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis on March 22 (UK time) via a video, in which she delivered the news directly.
Kate said the cancer – the form of which has not been identified – was found during her abdominal operation in January and she will be taking time off to recover.
"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," she said.
The mother of three said the news came as "a huge shock", noting she and husband Prince William had been "doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family."
"It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment," she continued.
"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."
The announce brought to an end weeks of speculation about Catherine's health, following a photoshopped image released for UK Mother's Day earlier in March.
King Charles III
King Charles' diagnosis with "a form of cancer" was announced in February 2024.
The news came days after the monarch was treated for benign prostate enlargement at a London hospital, during which "a separate issue of concern was noted", the palace said in a statement.
"Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," it continued.
"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties."
The palace noted King Charles would continue with State business and official paperwork during treatment.
He's pictured here on March 5 conducting State business, meeting with Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt.
"The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure," it said.
"He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."
Sarah, Duchess of York
Sarah Ferguson faced two cancer diagnoses within months.
In June 2023, the Duchess of York revealed she'd been diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer after a tumour was found during a routine mammogram.
She underwent a single mastectomy, speaking openly about the experience on her podcast.
"It's very important that I speak about it," she said.
"I am telling people out there because I want every single person that is listening to this podcast to go and get checked. Go get screened."
Months later, Fergie told her Instagram followers she had "beat" the disease in her 2023 wrap-up.
Then, in January 2024, Fergie revealed her "shock" at receiving a second diagnosis, this time for skin cancer.
She addressed the news on Instagram, telling fans she had "been taking some time to myself" after the diagnosis.
"It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was," she wrote.
"Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I'm in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support.
"I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent.
"I am resting with family at home now, feeling blessed to have their love and support."
The openness with which Kate, Charles and Fergie's cancer diagnoses have been revealed publicly is a relatively new phenomenon in British royal history.
Consider the parents of the late Queen Elizabeth II – King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Both were both diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes, but the public didn't find out until long after their respective deaths.
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was diagnosed with cancer twice.
She was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1966 and underwent surgery to remove a tumour.
Almost 20 years later, in 1984, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and went under the knife again for a lumpectomy.
The Queen Mother's diagnoses weren't revealed publicly until 2009 – seven years after her death in 2002 – with the publication of William Shawcross' The Queen Mother: The Official Biography.
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