After weeks of speculation, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has revealed that she has cancer. After undergoing a "planned abdominal surgery" in January, the Princess has all but disappeared from the public eye, leading to all kind of questions about her whereabouts and well-being. Now she has finally released a statement, sharing more information about her condition in a video shared to Instagram.
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Kate began the emotional video by thanking the public for their "wonderful messages of support" as she went through recovery, acknowledging that it has been "an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family." A spokesperson from the palace said in a statement that Kate began chemotherapy at the end of February.
"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous," she said. "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."
She went on to call the news a "huge shock," explaining that she and Prince William "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."
She continued, "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," referring to her three young children, ages 10, 8 and 5. "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."
"We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment," she said.
Kate shared that her "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."
A palace spokesperson said that for now there is no real timeline for when she may return to working full-time. "The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused 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," she said at the end of her message. "You are not alone."
