The Royal Family has announced that Kate Middleton is undergoing preventative chemotherapy after she underwent an operation which found cancer.
The Princess of Wales shared an update in a video shared on X, saying: “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.
“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.”
Middleton went on to explain that when she major abdominal surgery in January, it was thought her condition was non-cancerous.
However, tests after the operation found cancer ‘had been present’, she said.
“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,” she continued. “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.”
Middleton continued: “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 announcement comes following weeks of speculation over both the whereabouts of Middleton and the health of King Charles III.
Middleton had not been seen in public for over a month before March 4.
The Royal Family said that she has been withdrawn from the public eye while she recovered from a ‘planned abdominal surgery’, with a statement from Kensington Palace saying that she would not return to public duties until after Easter.
Following further speculation, on February 29 a representative for Kensington Palace told Page Six that they would ‘only be providing significant updates’ on the Princess.