The Princess of Wales has released a recorded video statement revealing she has been diagnosed with cancer.
Kate Middleton found out she had cancer in January after undergoing major nausea surgery.
It was initially thought her condition was not cancer, but tests after surgery revealed she had the disease.
She is now in the early stages of treatment.
Speculation has raged for weeks about the princess, who has largely stayed out of the public eye.
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Kate Middleton says the diagnosis has been a “huge shock” for her and Prince William as they process and manage the news
(Reuters)
She issued a statement at 6pm on Friday, the full text of which is below:
She said: “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 the 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 my condition was thought to be non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after surgery revealed that cancer was already present. Therefore, my medical team recommended that I should have a Preventative chemotherapy course, 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.
From left, the Princess of Wales joins Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis and Mia Tindall at a Christmas service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham
(Associated Press)
“As you can imagine, it took time. It took me some time to recover from the major surgery before I could start treatment. But most importantly, we took some time to deliver the message to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that suited George, Charlotte and Louis They explained everything and assured me that I would be fine.
“As I tell them; I am getting healthier and getting stronger every day by focusing on things that help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit.
“Having William by my side also brings me great comfort and reassurance. As does the love, support and kindness shown by so many of you. It means so much 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 whatever form it takes, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
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