Princess of Wales reveals new health habits and alcohol stance following cancer recovery

During a recent visit to Fabal Beerhall in London, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, made a striking revelation about her relationship with alcohol.

Politely declining an offered beer, she shared, “Since my diagnosis, I haven’t had much alcohol. It’s something I have to be a lot more conscious of now.”

Her decision to reevaluate alcohol consumption reflects not just personal health choices but also the growing body of evidence linking alcohol to cancer risks.

This seemingly small moment highlights a larger medical reality: as awareness grows, more women are reconsidering their alcohol intake due to its proven link to cancer risk.

Alcohol and cancer: what the science confirms

In 1987, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same category as tobacco and asbestos. This classification is based on extensive evidence connecting alcohol consumption to various cancers.

Two years ago, in March 2024, the Princess of Wales shared a deeply personal video statement announcing her cancer diagnosis.

“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family,” she said, describing the shock of learning that cancer had been present after undergoing major abdominal surgery initially thought to be for a non-cancerous condition.

Her medical team recommended preventive chemotherapy, and Middleton embarked on a rigorous treatment plan. In January 2025, she announced her remission, writing on Instagram, “It is a relief to now be in remission, and I remain focused on recovery.

"As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal." 

Adjusting to that “new normal” has meant rethinking not just her diet and lifestyle but also her relationship with alcohol, an often-overlooked factor in discussions about cancer prevention and recovery.

The World Cancer Research Fund notes that even moderate drinking increases cancer risk; no level of consumption is entirely safe. 

Alcohol’s role in cancer development is complex but well-documented.

Alcohol is causally linked to at least 7 types of cancer:

• Breast cancer.
• Liver cancer.
• Colorectal cancer.
• Oesophageal cancer.
• Mouth and throat cancers.

The World Health Organisation states clearly: there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to cancer risk.

Why alcohol increases cancer risk

When alcohol is processed in the body, it turns into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that:

• Damages DNA.
• Prevents cells from repairing themselves.
• Triggers abnormal cell growth.

Additional effects include the following:

• Hormonal disruption: Alcohol raises oestrogen levels, increasing breast cancer risk.
• Chronic inflammation: Long-term drinking creates an environment where cancer can develop.
• Weakened immunity: The body becomes less effective at detecting and destroying cancer cells.

Even “moderate drinking” carries risk.

Many people assume risk only applies to heavy drinking. That’s not accurate.

Large-scale studies (including The Lancet Oncology) show that:

• Light to moderate drinking still contributes to cancer cases globally.
• Even one drink per day increases breast cancer risk in women.
• Risk increases cumulatively over time.

Why reducing alcohol matters after cancer

For individuals who have had cancer, limiting alcohol is not optional; it’s protective.

The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends:

• Avoiding alcohol where possible
• Or limiting intake as much as possible.

This is because alcohol can:

• Increase the risk of cancer recurrence.
• Interfere with recovery and immune function.
• Worsens inflammation in the body.

Kate’s decision reflects this evidence: less alcohol, more control over long-term health.

Lifestyle shifts are already happening. Globally, drinking habits are changing:

• More women are adopting low-alcohol or alcohol-free lifestyles.
• The "sober curious" movement is a growing cultural shift where individuals, particularly health-conscious Millennials and Gen Z
• Wellness trends now prioritise sleep, hormone balance, and longevity areas negatively affected by alcohol.

Immediate health benefits of cutting back, which include the following:

• Improved sleep quality.
• Better liver function.
• More stable mood and energy levels.
• Reduced inflammation.
• Lower long-term cancer risk.

Alcohol is a proven carcinogen. Risk exists even at low levels. And reducing intake is one of the most effective lifestyle changes for long-term health, especially for women and cancer survivors.