Report: Kensington Palace Rushed the Release of Princess Kate’s Video Announcement About Her Cancer Diagnosis Because of Fears of a Leak About Her Condition
Kate released the brave message on Friday, March 22, just as her kids went on Easter break from school.


Because of fears that a leak from the inside would reveal the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis before she was ready to disclose the information, Kensington Palace was forced to rush the release of Kate’s video message telling the world about her health, multiple outlets report.
A source close to the matter told The Daily Mail that the Palace attempted to get ahead of the news after an unknown person found out about Kate’s health condition. It’s unclear whether the leak came from The London Clinic or elsewhere; Kate underwent abdominal surgery at The London Clinic in January, and days before Kate spoke out, a security breach involving Kate’s medical records occurred there. A “full investigation” into the matter continues.
It is believed that Kate released the video on March 22 to coincide with George, Charlotte, and Louis' Easter break from Lambrook School.
As ever with this story, it’s murky—sources speaking to Page Six deny rumors about a leak, holding firm that Kate wasn’t pressured to release the video, but set up the timing to coincide with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis’ Easter break from Lambrook School.
The Daily Mail also reports that Kensington Palace wanted to release the message to the world before Easter, knowing that Kate and the rest of the Wales family wouldn’t be attending the traditional service at St. George’s Chapel.
“Whatever the reason, the universal acclaim heaped on Kate confirmed it was the right decision,” The Daily Mail’s Ephraim Hardcastle column writes.
An investigation into a private data breach of Kate's medical records at The London Clinic continues.
The video message was released on Friday, March 22, over two months after Kate’s abdominal surgery on Tuesday, January 16. News of that surgery was announced the next day, and while the surgery was not because of cancer having been detected, cancer was found in the aftermath of the procedure. Kate is said to have found out about the diagnosis in late February, and began a course of “preventative chemotherapy” shortly thereafter. Following her video message 11 days ago, Kate, her husband Prince William, and their three children went to their country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, where they spent Easter and are believed to still be until the kids return to school in two weeks’ time.
“It is not known how long Kate will be receiving treatment, but it is understood she may be keen to attend events as and when she feels able to, in line with medical advice, although this will not indicate a return to full-time duties,” The Daily Mail reports.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Rachel Burchfield is a writer, editor, and podcaster whose primary interests are fashion and beauty, society and culture, and, most especially, the British Royal Family and other royal families around the world. She serves as Marie Claire’s Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor and has also contributed to publications like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, People, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and W, among others. Before taking on her current role with Marie Claire, Rachel served as its Weekend Editor and later Royals Editor. She is the cohost of Podcast Royal, a show that was named a top five royal podcast by The New York Times. A voracious reader and lover of books, Rachel also hosts I’d Rather Be Reading, which spotlights the best current nonfiction books hitting the market and interviews the authors of them. Rachel frequently appears as a media commentator, and she or her work has appeared on outlets like NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, and more.
-
James Middleton Shares Why He Was "Breathless and Flustered" During Meeting With Queen Elizabeth
"I heard a snort of laughter and looked past the Queen to see everyone in the room stifling their giggles."
By Kristin Contino
-
This Modern Princess Will Break a 600-Year-Old Tradition When She Takes the Throne
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway will follow in a long-ago ruler's footsteps.
By Kristin Contino
-
Hailey Bieber's "Favorite Jacket" Is Actually One She Designed
It's a piece for husband Justin Bieber's new brand.
By Halie LeSavage
-
Kate Middleton Has Been Embracing a Princess Diana-Inspired Wardrobe Change as She Prepares for Her Future Role as Queen
There's some very important symbolism behind the fashion choice, according to a royal style expert.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
Why One Former Queen Was Held "Prisoner" at Kensington Palace by Her Mother
She was forbidden "from reading popular books" or walking "downstairs without holding someone's hand."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Kate Middleton Refused to Abide by a 350-Year-Old Royal Tradition on Her Wedding Day
She insisted on doing this one very important thing her way, according to a royal expert.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Kate Middleton's Meaningful Outfit Is a Love Letter to Wales
The Princess of Wales chose her look carefully during a rare joint outing with Prince William.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince William Is "Appalled" at the Way Wife Kate Middleton Was Treated After Fashion Statement
"The princess is being encouraged to ignore critics."
By Amy Mackelden
-
In Rare Announcement, Kensington Palace Changes Stance on Princess Kate’s Royal Duties
The Prince and Princess of Wales are marking "a new chapter," one royal expert tells 'Marie Claire.'
By Kristin Contino
-
Kensington Palace Switches Gears on Controversial Statement About Princess Kate
A royal source clarified some hot-button comments made to the 'Times' in early February.
By Kristin Contino
-
Kensington Palace Releases Stunning New Photo of Kate Middleton Taken by Her Son Prince Louis
The beautiful picture was captured by the 6-year-old in honor of World Cancer Day.
By Amy Mackelden