Kate Middleton Shares Rare Statement Amid Cancer Diagnosis

Kate Middleton is shouting out a new colleague.

While the Princess of Wales has largely kept a low profile after announcing she was undergoing cancer treatment earlier this year, she shared a heartfelt congratulations  to the United Kingdom's new chief scout Dwayne Fields on social media.

"Delighted to welcome @dwaynefields as the new UK Chief Scout," read Kate's post, shared on her and husband Prince William's Instagram Stories Sept. 6. "The Scouts is such an incredible organization, teaching #SkillsForLife and making a huge difference to young people across the country."

She added, "Looking forward to working with you! C."

Dwayne, a TV presenter and explorer who in 2010 became the first Black Briton to reach the North Pole, succeeded Bear Grylls as the UK's Chief Scout Sept. 5.

"I was first introduced to Scouts at the age of 7," Dwayne said in a video shared on his and the organization's Instagram. "I've been so lucky that I've managed to take young people on expeditions right across the world, but right here in the Scout groups and HQs right across this country is where Scouting lives."

Dwayne, who is the UK's 11th Chief Scout, continued, "I will do everything I can to help every single community up and down the country, learn those important skills for life. I can't wait to get started."

And Bear is cheering on his successor. "So wonderful to see," the Running Wild with Bear Grylls host commented on the post. "Dwayne will be incredible I am sure and Scouts will continue to thrive and soar… it’s been the honor of my life."

Kate’s message to Dwayne comes amid her slow return to public life after stepping back from public duties following abdominal surgery in January and subsequently sharing she was undergoing cancer treatment in March.

Kate, who had met Bear multiple times over the years, has largely kept out of the spotlight since announcing in a video posted in March that she was undergoing cancer treatment.

She has made a few public appearances, including in late August, when she, William and their eldest son Prince George, 11, joined other members of the Royal family at a church outing near King Charles III's Balmoral estate.

Days later, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared an encouraging message for the British 2024 Paralympics team ahead of the Opening Ceremony in Paris.

"Looking forward to another few weeks of incredible sport," they wrote on their Instagram Stories. "Wishing the best of luck to our @paralympicsgb_official athletes and all those competing at #Paris2024."

Read on for more royal news from this year...

The Princess Royal was discharged after a five-day stay at Southmead Hospital. Her husband, Tim Laurence, said in a statement, "I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all the team at Southmead Hospital for their care, expertise and kindness during my wife’s short stay."

The younger sister of King Charles III sustained minor injuries during an incident at her estate Gatcombe Park, Buckingham Palace has announced.

"Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery," the June 24 statement, shared to X, read. "The King has been kept closely informed and joins the whole Royal Family in sending his fondest love and well-wishes to The Princess for a speedy recovery."

Nearly three months after sharing her cancer diagnosis, the Princess of Wales said that she's "making good progress" with chemotherapy, though there are "good days and bad days" amid her health journey.

"On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting," Kate wrote on Instagram June 14. "But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well."

She added, "My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home."

On May 13, King Charles III bestowed the title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to his oldest son, sparking controversy as many royal watchers believed the title would be more suited for Prince Harry, who trained and served in the military branch.

On April 26, nearly three months after sharing his cancer diagnosis, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles will return to public-facing duties. 

The queen consort attended the Royal Maundy Service on March 28 in place of King Charles III, making her the first spouse of the Monarch to continue the ancient tradition.

In a March 22 video message, the Princess of Wales shared that she'd been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.

"It was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful," she said before noting that 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."

After photo agencies pulled the picture Kensington Palace shared of Kate since having her abdominal surgery on March 10, the Princess of Wales addressed claims the photo was doctored. 

"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," she tweeted on March 11. "I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C."

Princess Diana's niece celebrated Mother's Day in the U.K. by sharing she and her husband Michael Lewis privately welcomed their first baby.

“It’s the joy of my life to be your mummy, little one. I love you unconditionally," she captioned her March 10 Instagram post. "Happy Mother’s Day to those who celebrate today."

After keeping up her full slate of engagements in the wake of her husband's cancer diagnosis, the palace cleared Camilla's schedule.

The Times pointed out March 2 that the 76-year-old didn't have any engagements on her calendar until March 11, when she'd be due at Westminster Abbey to observe Commonwealth Day.

The husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor and ex-boyfriend of Pippa Middleton, was found dead Feb. 25. Days later, a coroner's inquest found that he died by suicide.

While King Charles III was in the hospital for his benign prostate enlargement procedure, the royal family member was diagnosed with cancer.

"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," Buckingham Palace said Feb. 5. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."

The Duchess of York's rep said in a statement on Jan. 21 that Sarah was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. Several months prior, she underwent a single mastectomy to treat breast cancer.

On Jan. 14, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark made history as she officially abdicated the throne, handing the crown over to her son, now known as King Frederik the 10th. 

Kensington Palace announced on Jan. 17 that Kate Middleton underwent planned abdominal surgery and was set to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days.

"Based on the current medical advice," the Palace said, "she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

Amid Kate's recovery, Prince William postponed a number of engagements as he supported his family, including the couple's three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Shortly after Kate's hospitalization was made public, Buckingham Palace shared that Charles "has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate."

"His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure," the statement added. "The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."

Princess Claire and Prince Felix of Luxembourg welcomed son Balthazar Felix Karl on Jan. 7, the first royal baby of the New Year!