The Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer and personally revealed her condition to the world.
In a touching video statement, Kate Middleton revealed that the cancer was discovered while she underwent major abdominal surgery at a London clinic at the beginning of the year.
The 42-year-old princess said she needed to recover from the surgery before starting “preventive chemotherapy” on the advice of her medical team.
The news comes as a huge shock to the royal family, as both King Charles and the future Queen are now battling cancer.
Speculation about Kate’s health has been circulating for weeks, with rumors and wild conspiracy theories popping up online.
Wearing a blue and white striped sweater and blue trousers, Kate sat on a garden bench and said she needed time to come to terms with the news and tell her children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, before informing the world.
She said: “It has been an extremely difficult few months for our family but I have a fantastic medical team who have looked after me so well and I am so grateful for that.
Kate records touching statement revealing her cancer diagnosis
(BBC Studios)
“I had major abdominal surgery in London in January and my condition was thought to be non-cancerous.
“The surgery was successful. However, post-surgery tests revealed that cancer was already present. Therefore, my medical team recommended that I should undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of treatment.”
Kate, who praised her husband as a “great source of comfort and reassurance”, added: “This is of course a huge shock and William and I have been doing everything we can to deal with and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. “.
“As you can imagine, this 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 a way that suited them and reassuring them that I would be fine.”
(Associated Press)
The video was filmed in Windsor on Wednesday, according to Kensington Palace. It is understood the video was posted on the day William and Kate’s three children began their Easter school holidays, with the intention of using the break to protect them from reports of their mother’s health.
Kate was last seen at the official royal engagement on Christmas Day, when she attended church service at Sandringham with her family.
She was hospitalized for two weeks in January and is expected to need several months of recuperation before being able to resume official duties after Easter.
The princess has not disclosed her health, while the king has disclosed his cancer diagnosis after undergoing prostate treatment.
Her disappearance from public view sparked wild rumors about her health, which were compounded when she posted a family photo in honor of Mother’s Day, surrounded by her three children.
Six photo agencies pulled the image after it was discovered it had been digitally altered. Kate apologized personally, saying she had made some minor edits, but the original photo was never released.
She was later spotted with William in a farm shop in Windsor, sparking bizarre speculation that she had been replaced by a body double.
Now, shocking news from Kensington Palace will put rumors and speculation to rest, with the princess requesting privacy to allow her family to cope with her illness.
“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.”
Paying tribute to all those who have also suffered, she concluded: “At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. To everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose Faith or hope. You are not alone.”
It is unclear how long Kate will remain in treatment, but it is understood she may be keen to take part in activities subject to medical advice, although this does not mean she will return to full-time work.
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