As news of Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis shocks the world and prompts an outpouring of sympathy after weeks of speculation, it has emerged that the princess is undergoing a course of chemotherapy.

Middleton initially underwent abdominal surgery in January at The London Clinic, where at least one member of staff was said to have breached her medical records. The violation reportedly occurred during her two-week stay at the facility, with a spokesperson for the UK Information Commissioner’s Office saying that they had “received a breach report and [were] assessing the information provided.”

Royals like Prince William and Kate Middleton usually choose from a small number of reputable and discreet London hospitals for medical procedures. Photo: AFP Photo

In her video statement last Friday, Middleton said she hoped that she would be given the “space and privacy” to complete her treatment.

Members of the royal family are understandably selective about where they receive healthcare, and The London Clinic was previously known for being one of the most discreet in the country.

Here are four of the most well-known hospitals frequented by royals in the UK:

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1. The London Clinic

Kate Middleton had her abdominal surgery at The London Clinic. Photo: The London Clinic

The London Clinic is the luxury private hospital from which Kate was discharged in January after undergoing her abdominal surgery.

According to US media, the clinic was founded over 100 years ago by a group of London doctors. Its facilities include multiple operating theatres and it boasts an experienced team able to treat over 155 medical conditions. Besides catering to royals such as the late Prince Philip and Princess Margaret during their lifetimes, it’s also been the go-to clinic for the political and Hollywood elite, according to The Economic Times.In mid-January, King Charles was admitted to The London Clinic to treat an enlarged prostate, per The Independent.

2. The Portland Hospital

Meghan Markle with Prince Harry and their then-new-born son Archie. Photo: @hrhofsussex/Instagram
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had their first child, Archie, at The Portland Hospital in London in 2019, per the BBC. It was also the hospital of choice for Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, who welcomed their baby boy there in 2021, according to Hello!.

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3. King Edward VII’s Hospital

London’s King Edward VII’s Hospital boasts luxury facilities in addition to medical ones. Photo: King Edward VII’s Hospital

Located in the upmarket Marylebone neighbourhood of London, King Edward VII’s hospital was the late Queen Elizabeth’s preferred option according to Business Insider. Described as “London’s foremost private hospital”, the facility was first established in 1899, and now features luxurious amenities including a well-stocked library, a physiotherapy centre with Pilates, acupuncture and sports massages, and a heated swimming pool.

4. The Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital Paddington

Prince William and Kate Middleton show off Prince Louis outside the Lindo Wing in April 2018. Photo: AFP
According to the Evening Standard, The Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital Paddington has been the most popular hospital for royal births, with most royal babies being born here since the 1970s. Per the newspaper, Princess Anne had both of her children, Peter and Zara Phillips, there, while the late Princess Diana also headed to the wing to welcome Prince William and Prince Harry. Kate has given birth to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis here too, per the same source.