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Catherine, Princess of Wales has confirmed her cancer diagnosis and shared details about her treatment in a video message uploaded to social media.
The news comes after months of rumours swirled about the 42-year-old’s disappearance from public life following her abdominal surgery in January.
Catherine’s Full Statement:
“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery,” Kate Middleton’s video began.
“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. 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.
“This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. 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.
“As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.
“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.
“At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone,” the Princess of Wales concluded.
According to a friend of Kate’s who spoke with The Sunday Times, the mother-of-three wrote “every word” of her emotional speech.
“It allowed her to speak directly to the public who, overwhelmingly, have always been with her and her family and who don’t buy into the noise and gossip.
“It was all her, she wrote every word of it, it came together very quickly,” the source said.
Following the announcement, a spokesperson from Buckingham Palace has confirmed King Charles III is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.”
Charles is also currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, and he and his wife Queen Camilla “will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time”.
The King has “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks,” the spokesperson added.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have also shared a public statement of support for Catherine.
The Princess of Wales’ brother-in-law Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle “wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
Catherine and her husband Prince William have released their first joint statement since her cancer announcement, with the Wales couple saying they have been “enormously touched” by the love and support they have received since the news was shared.
