Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving chemotherapy.
The announcement came Friday in the form of an emotional video posted on Kensington Palace’s social media.
Clearing up weeks of speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding her health, the Princess of Wales further disclosed that while her abdominal surgery in January was initially believed to be for a non-cancerous condition, later tests showed the presence of cancer.
It remains unclear the type she has been diagnosed with or the prognosis.
In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery,” the 42-year-old said.
“The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
The announcement followed a period of intense uncertainty surrounding her health, as the Princess of Wales had not made an official public appearance since Christmas.
The bulk of her message focused on the “huge shock” the diagnosis has had for her family. She implied that her absence from the public sphere has been out of a need for time to explain the situation to her and Prince William’s three children: George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five.
“William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” Kate said.
“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.”
The Princess of Wales revealed that she told her children that she is “well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help [her] heal; in [her] mind, body and spirits.”
She also thanked Prince William for being by her side as “a great source of comfort and reassurance.”
The mother-of-three asked people to respect her privacy during this difficult time in her life.
“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.
My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.”
Kate finished the video with a heartfelt message to others suffering from cancer.
“For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone,” she said.
The announcement follows that of King Charles III, who disclosed that he was undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer in early February.
