Eight Times We Saw Princess Catherine’s Bandaged Fingers over the Years: Photos

On March 23, 2024, Princess Catherine revealed she was diagnosed with cancer. Doctors learned about her condition shortly after she underwent major abdominal surgery in January.

In a video message, the Princess of Wales confessed she needed to recover from surgery to start “preventative chemotherapy” and asked the public for privacy during such a challenging time.

Over the years, Princess Catherine has become an emblem of grace and resilience, often caught in the public eye for her charity work, fashion sense, and royal duties. However, keen observers might have noticed a peculiar recurrence: the Princess’s fingers covered with bandages on different occasions.

Below are eight instances where the Princess of Wales was seen with bandaged fingers. In one of these scenarios, a media outlet gave a reported reason as to why her fingers had bandages on them.

On January 16, 2015, Princess Catherine made her way to a foster carer celebration event held by The Fostering Network in London, England. As she waved to the crowds, the Princess—dressed in a brown shirt— was seen with a bandage wrapped around the top of her middle finger.

During a heartwarming visit to Kensington Aldridge Academy and the Kensington Leisure Centre on January 19, 2015, in London, England, Princess Catherine—who wore a chic blue coat—was photographed with a discreet brown band-aid on her middle finger.

While visiting the Nelson Trust’s Women’s Centre in Gloucester, England on November 4, 2016, Princess Catherine was spotted yet again with a bandaid placed on her left hand under her first two fingers and next to her thumb. Despite the presence of her bandage, she looked elegant dressed in a black and white pencil skirt, a black undershirt, and a light blue coat, which added a splash of color.

In 2018, Princess Catherine attended the prestigious Tusk Conservation Awards on November 8. Though she looked stunning in the glamorous turquoise gown she wore, she drew attention with her bandaged middle finger.

Photos of her visit to Bradford’s Centenary Square in Bradford, England, on January 15, 2020, show the Princess’s radiant smile and a bandaid wrapped around her thumb. Princess Catherine, who was dressed in a dark green coat, later went for a walkabout where she met with members of the public.

During her visit to HMP High Down in Sutton, England to see how The Forward Trust is supporting individuals in the criminal justice system, Princess Catherine was pictured with bandages on her index and middle fingers, which were taped together.

Of the September 12, 2023 visit, a news source disclosed that the bandages were due to a minor trampoline injury that occurred when the Princess was playing with her children, Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte.

On October 5, 2023, Princess Catherine participated in the Rugby League Inclusivity Day in Hull, England. In a display of sportsmanship, she partook in a wheelchair rugby session, where some fingers on her right hand were seen bandaged.

Last year, on October 12, the Princess attended a SportsAid mental fitness workshop at Bisham Abbey in Marlow, England where she was once again seen with bandaged fingers. The event was part of a series of engagements both the Princess and her husband, Prince William, carry out as part of World Mental Health Day.

Following these sightings, there has been public speculation concerning Princess Catherine’s recent absence from public view after her abdominal surgery.

However, Princess Catherine’s representative addressed the swirling conspiracies, stating, “Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands.” The rep also maintained that the Princess is progressing well amid her recovery.

As previously reported on February 29:

It’s been over two months since the Princess of Wales was last seen in public during the royal family’s traditional Christmas morning service at Sandringham last year.

Following this, Kensington Palace announced on January 17, 2024, that the Princess was admitted to the hospital for “planned abdominal surgery,” necessitating a period of rest. Consequently, Princess Catherine’s public engagements have been paused, with expectations set for her return to royal duties after Easter.

During her last public appearance before the surgery, the Princess was seen walking to the St. Mary Magdalene Church in the royal family’s estate in Norfolk, England. She was among royal family members, including Prince William and their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Photos from the Christmas service showed the Princess in a festive mood as she walked hand-in-hand with her family, greeted spectators, and strolled alongside King Charles III.

The Princess of Wales was photographed smiling walking alongside her children and Mia Tindall, with Prince William trailing behind. At one point, the Princess was captured greeting spectators while carrying a bouquet of roses.

For the holiday occasion, Princess Catherine was elegantly dressed in a long, vibrant blue coat by Alexander McQueen, meticulously tailored with a cinched waist and pronounced shoulders, complemented by a deep blue turtleneck sweater underneath.

She paired her striking coat with dark blue suede knee-high boots, featuring a sleek block heel and pointed toe.

Her attire was further enhanced by a chic fascinator adorned with a bold bow and crossed arrows, set against her elegantly styled half-up, half-down hair.

Paying homage to Princess Diana, she completed her look with the late Princess’s iconic sapphire and diamond drop earrings.

At one point, she was photographed smiling as she walked behind King Charles III and held Pince Louis’ hand during their stroll.

The youngest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales coordinated with his mother in blue-and-green plaid trousers, a navy double-breasted coat, and black loafers.

The future queen was also captured walking hand-in-hand with Princess Charlotte, who donned an olive green double-breasted coat with a blue-and-green plaid skirt, navy tights, and glossy black ballet flats, her hair styled loosely with subtle braids.

Meanwhile, Prince George and Prince William matched in navy suits and white shirts. While George wore a blue tie speckled with white, his father paired his suit with a teal tie.

On January 29, 2024, a spokesperson from Kensington Palace announced that Princess Catherine had been discharged from The London Clinic and would continue her recovery at home in Windsor. “She is making good progress,” the statement assured.

Kensington Palace expressed gratitude for the support and care provided by the medical staff and the well wishes from around the world. Although specific details of the surgery were not disclosed, it was previously confirmed that the surgery was successful and the condition treated was non-cancerous.

At a recent investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Prince William commented on his wife’s health recovery while stepping in for his father, King Charles III, following the king’s recent cancer diagnosis announcement.

During the ceremony, Trish Spruce, a recruiter for the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, who was being honored with an MBE, revealed in a LinkedIn post that the Prince of Wales expressed his admiration towards two Filipino nurses caring for Catherine. He praised their incredible kindness and dedication.

During Kate’s hospital stay, William put his official duties on hold. He has since returned to resume his engagements after ensuring Kate was comfortably settled in the home they share in Windsor.