Kate Middleton’s friend has issued a sad health update amid her ongoing battle with cancer. The Princess of Wales, 42, has been absent from the public eye since attending a Christmas service last year with her husband Prince William and their children. Months later, Middleton announced she had undergone preventative chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis.

Sources and friends of Middleton have now provided an update on her condition. Her last public appearance was at a Christmas service in 2023. After heightened speculation and the trending hashtag #WhereisKate, Middleton revealed her illness in a statement. This announcement followed a photogate scandal involving a manipulated image of her with her children, which was retracted by major news outlets.

Middleton later disclosed her diagnosis in a video, explaining that tests after a major abdominal surgery in January revealed cancer, leading to her preventative chemotherapy. She emphasized the need for privacy during this challenging time for her family. Prince William recently updated the public, stating she is “doing well” but hinted she might not return to public duties this year. A source told The Daily Beast that her diary for the year is empty, and her focus is on avoiding stress and recovering.

Friends of the princess have mentioned she is leaning on her close family and friends and that she may not appear in public until the autumn, depending on her recovery. The family plans to retreat to Sandringham once school breaks up to ensure a stress-free environment for her healing process.