Revealed: Kate Middleton Had Emergency Surgery as Teen to Remove Mystery 'Lump' That Left Visible Scar

Catherine, Princess of Wales, has long been praised for her svelte appearance, but her health struggles related to a recent surgery and cancer battle may not be as unprecedented as some thought.

"Apart from debilitating bouts of morning sickness and, of course, stays in the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital to deliver her babies, Catherine has fortunately avoided hospital for most of her life," royal author Robert Jobson revealed in his new book Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Biography of the Future Queen.

"As a teenager, however, when at Marlborough College she discovered a lump on the left side of her head, just under her hairline," he added. "The school notified her parents immediately, and her mother Carole took her to hospital, where she had surgery to remove it."

The operation left behind a three-inch scar on the left side of her head that many people immediately noticed during her first solo royal engagement in October 2011. Buckingham Palace released an official statement that read: "The scar is related to a childhood operation."

The next queen has made two public appearances so far in 2024 as she reportedly continues to receive preventative chemotherapy treatments. Thanks to her surprise Wimbledon attendance on July 14, many are wondering when HRH will return to engagements regularly.

Jobson further shared that she "showed a lot of courage and character, as she knew that the world was watching."

"Before, she used to live her life by the calendar, and now she is living her life, and the calendar comes in after," he added. "She will be back, but when you have had an experience like this, it changes your perspective and the order of things."

"This will have given her sustenance," a palace insider dished. "She has gone through something awful and stressful, and it is crucial to have little wins to look forward to or to give you the courage and energy to go forward. And this was it."

The future queen was accompanied by her daughter, Princess Charlotte, 9, and her younger sister, Pippa Middleton, 40, at Wimbledon, both of whom appeared to have enjoyed the match next to the princess. HRH wore a purple dress that many cited as an homage to her late mother-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales, who wore purple in the Royal Box in July 1991.

It remains unknown exactly when the Princess of Wales will return to royal duties in a full-time capacity, with some insiders suggesting it will likely be a "gradual increase" as opposed to daily engagements. Kate along with Prince William and their children, are expected to spend time at Balmoral Castle in the late summer or early autumn at the invite of King Charles III.

The Independent reported on Kate's operation.