Updated: 8.45pm
Britain's Princess Kate has revealed she is undergoing treatment for cancer in a video message and told others battling the disease “you are not alone”.
Kate spoke about the “huge shock” of the medical development and how her family have experienced an “incredibly tough couple of months”.
Kate was admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery on January 16th and at the time her condition was thought to be non-cancerous, but tests after the successful operation found cancer, the type of which has not been disclosed.
The future queen began a course of “preventative chemotherapy” late in February, but is said to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as “well and getting stronger every day”.
Britain's King Charles III, who is also being treated for cancer, and his wife Camilla have been told about Kate’s health.
Speaking in the video message recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, Kate said: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.
“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.
“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.”
I am well and getting stronger every day
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It is understood the video was released on the day William and Kate’s three children began their Easter school holidays to take advantage of the break to shield them from coverage of their mother’s health.
Kate, who is casually dressed in the video and sitting on a bench, added: “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.”
The announcement may go some way to ending weeks of intense speculation and conspiracy theories on social media about Kate’s whereabouts and health.
It is not known how long Kate will be receiving treatment, but it is understood she may be keen to attend events as and when she feels able, in line with medical advice, although this will not indicate a return to full-time duties.
'Health and healing'
In a statement following Kate's announcement, her brother-in-law Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan, said they “wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace”.
It comes after Buckingham Palace issued a brief comment, stating Charles is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did”.
The palace added the king remains in “closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law”.
UK prime minister Rishi Sunak also addressed the news, saying Kate has “the love and support of the whole country” as she continues her treatment.
He added: “She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today. In recent weeks, she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media.
“When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”
