Princess of Wales, Catherine Elizabeth Middleton has revealed on Friday she has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the “early stages” of treatment.
The princess, known as Kate, described her diagnosis as a “huge shock” in a video statement released on social media.
The news comes two months after Catherine undergone surgery which was described by the Kensington Palace as non-cancerous abdominal condition.
During the time, she temporarily stepped away from public life.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” said Catherine, 42, who is married to the heir to the British throne, Prince William.
“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.”
Kate added that “William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024
The princess continued, “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.”
Kate said that she had told them she is “well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”
She praised Prince William for being by her side as “a great source of comfort and reassurance” as well as the support she has received from the public.
“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,” the princess said.
She ended her heartfelt message by saying that she was also keeping “all those whose lives have been affected by cancer” in her thoughts.
“For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone,” Kate concluded.
Following the sad news announced by the Kensington Royal Palace, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has sent well wishes to the princess.
He said the princess had “the love and support of the whole country.” He added that Kate had shown “tremendous bravery with her statement” and that his thoughts were with her and “in particular her three children.”
This is the second time a person from the royal family has been diagnosed with cancer this year. The devastating blow begun in early February when the Kensington Palace announced that King Charles III was undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer.
On January 16, Kate was admitted to the London Clinic successfully underwent a planned abdominal surgery.
She remained in the hospital for 13 days following the procedure and, on doctor’s advice, had since been away from public duties during her recovery.
Kate was spotted in public for the first time since her surgery, visiting a farm shop with her husband Prince William last weekend.