London:

Britain’s Princess of Wales said on Friday that tests following her surgery in January showed she had cancer and she is receiving preventive chemotherapy.

Below is the full transcript of Kate’s video message:

“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you personally for all the wonderful messages of support and understanding you have received while I was recovering from surgery.

“It’s been a very difficult few months for our family but I have an amazing medical team who have taken great care of me and I’m so grateful for that.

“I had major abdominal surgery in London in January and it was thought at the time that my condition was not cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the surgery revealed that cancer was already present. Therefore, my medical team advised me that I should have A course of preventive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of treatment.

“This is of course a huge shock and William and I have been doing everything we can to deal with and manage this matter privately for the sake of our young family.

“As you can imagine, it took time. It took me some time to recover from major surgery before I could start treatment. But most importantly, we spent some time explaining everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in some way It was appropriate for them and reassured them that I would be fine.

“Like I said to them; I’m getting stronger every day by focusing on things that help me heal, my mind, my body and my spirit.

“Having William by my side has also been a huge comfort and reassurance. So has the love, support and kindness shown by so many of you. It means a lot to both of us.

“We hope you can understand that as a family we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My job has always brought me deep joy and I look forward to returning when I am able , but now I have to focus on making a full recovery.

“At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been impacted by cancer. To everyone facing this disease, in any form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)