Kensington Palace released an unusually personal statement late on January 29, 2026, confirming that Prince George, the 12-year-old heir second in line to the British throne, has been quietly battling a serious but non-life-threatening medical condition for several months. The announcement—delivered with rare candor from the Prince and Princess of Wales—revealed that George had undergone a series of tests and minor procedures in recent weeks, prompting Catherine to temporarily step back from public engagements to remain by his side.

While the palace deliberately avoided clinical detail, sources close to the family confirmed the condition is a chronic but manageable autoimmune disorder affecting George’s joints and energy levels. Symptoms reportedly began appearing intermittently during the summer of 2025, initially dismissed as growing pains or fatigue from a busy school and sports schedule. By late autumn, however, episodes became more frequent and severe, leading to specialist consultations at Great Ormond Street Hospital and a discreet course of treatment that included anti-inflammatory medication and physiotherapy.

The statement, jointly issued by William and Catherine, read in part: “As parents, our first and most important role is to protect and care for our children. George has shown extraordinary courage and strength through recent health challenges. We have been deeply touched by the kindness and understanding shown by so many. Catherine has naturally wanted to be with George every step of the way, and we ask for continued privacy as he continues his recovery.”

Insiders say Catherine has been particularly affected. Those close to her describe a mother who has barely left George’s side during hospital visits and treatment sessions, often staying overnight at the family’s private apartment in Kensington Palace when he has had to remain under observation. One source noted that Catherine was seen crying quietly in a hospital corridor after receiving the formal diagnosis, though she quickly composed herself when staff approached. “She has tried to be strong for George,” the source said, “but no mother can hear that her child is facing a lifelong condition without it breaking her heart.”

Prince George himself has reportedly handled the situation with remarkable maturity. Despite missing several weeks of school at Lambrook and withdrawing from his school’s rugby team for the term, he has remained engaged with his studies through tutors and has continued light hobbies such as drawing and reading. Palace aides emphasize that his condition is not degenerative and that, with proper management, he should lead a full and active life. Doctors have stressed that early diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved long-term outcomes.

The announcement comes at a sensitive time for the royal family. King Charles continues his own cancer treatment, though Buckingham Palace reports steady progress, and the Princess of Wales herself has only recently returned to public duties after her 2024 abdominal surgery and extended recovery. The decision to share George’s health update reflects a deliberate shift toward greater openness, a policy William and Catherine have quietly pursued since their own health scares. They hope that by speaking about George’s condition, they can reduce stigma around childhood chronic illnesses and encourage other families to seek early intervention.

Public reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive. Within hours of the statement, messages of goodwill flooded social media, with thousands posting green ribbons—the color associated with childhood autoimmune awareness—and sharing their own stories of young family members living with similar conditions. Major charities, including Versus Arthritis and the Juvenile Arthritis Research group, reported a surge in donations and inquiries following the news.

Behind palace walls, the mood remains subdued. William has quietly rearranged his schedule to spend more evenings at home, while Charlotte and Louis have been given extra time with their brother during weekends. George’s godparents—among them Zara Tindall and Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster—have reportedly offered private support, including arranging for specialist equipment to be delivered discreetly to the family home in Windsor.

The palace has made clear that George will not undertake any public engagements for the foreseeable future. His next scheduled appearance—the traditional Easter Sunday walk to St George’s Chapel—has been quietly removed from the royal diary. Instead, the family plans to spend the spring half-term together at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, away from media attention.

For Catherine, the weeks ahead will be defined by quiet vigilance. Friends say she has thrown herself into researching the condition, speaking with other parents, and ensuring George’s treatment plan fits around his schooling and emotional well-being. “She has always been the most protective of the children,” one longtime friend remarked. “This has tested every part of her strength as a mother.”

The statement ends with a rare personal note from William and Catherine: “George has asked us to thank everyone who has sent kind messages. Your support means more to him than he can say. We are, as always, incredibly proud of our brave boy.”

In an era when royal health matters are often shrouded in carefully worded vagueness, the decision to speak so openly about George’s condition marks a turning point. It is also a reminder that behind the titles and the tiaras are parents who, like any others, feel helpless when their child is hurting. Today, the world saw that vulnerability laid bare—and responded with compassion.

As George continues his treatment and the family navigates this new chapter, one thing remains certain: the Waleses will face it together, just as they always have.