The health issue that marked Kate Middleton's adolescence and almost nobody knew about

Although the recent cancer diagnosis has been one of the most difficult episodes in Kate Middleton's life, there is a little-known precedent that shows the Princess of Wales's strength is not new. During her adolescence, Prince William's wife went through a health issue that, while not serious, left a visible mark and caused a stir years later.

In her school years, Kate had to undergo head surgery to remove a lump, a procedure that was carried out privately and without major public details. The operation, which occurred in a delicate context since a student from the same school had died from a brain tumor, was a difficult moment for her surroundings, although the young woman managed to recover and return to classes shortly after.

The resulting scar from that intervention, located on the left side of her scalp, became visible in some public appearances years later, especially when the princess wore her hair up. Faced with media curiosity and social media buzz, Kensington Palace was forced to issue an official statement in 2011, explaining that the mark was the result of childhood surgery, but without providing further details.

Amid the speculations, British surgeon John Scurr opined for the Daily Mail that "the scar doesn't seem to be the result of a serious medical condition, but rather the removal of an arteriovenous malformation, a kind of birthmark". However, the Royal House never confirmed that information, and Middleton has kept the matter in strict privacy.

This episode, which went almost unnoticed by most of the public, reflects a characteristic that today is once again evident: Kate's resilience. That teenager who faced surgery and continued with her life without drama is the same woman who, in March of last year, communicated her cancer diagnosis with fortitude in an emotional video posted on social media.

Fortunately, in January 2025, Kate announced that her illness was in remission, news that brought relief to both her family and millions of followers around the world. Since then, the princess has slowly begun to resume her official agenda, although she continues to prioritize her recovery process.