Princess Kate announced on Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.
The 42-year-old wife of Prince William was hospitalised in a private London clinic for almost two weeks after undergoing major abdominal surgery in January, but has now broken the silence over her health:
“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. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.”
She explained that it took several weeks of media silence to accept the news and explain everything to the children: “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.”
It was thought that her condition was noncancerous and that the surgery had been successful, Kate said Friday in a rare video message. “However,” she said, “tests after the operation found cancer had been present.”
She did not specify what type of cancer she had or at what stage it was found, and Kensington Palace, the couple’s royal home, did not say why the surgery was necessary. However, she did confirm that she is now undergoing a “course of preventative chemotherapy” on the advice of her doctors.
“I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” Kate said in the statement released by the palace. She thanked the public for their support but also asked for “time, space and privacy” while completing her treatment.
During Kate’s operation, William postponed a number of activities as he had to combine being with his wife and caring for his children. Kate’s surgery and her departure from the public eye sparked comments and conspiracy theories that spread on social media.
“I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both,” she said.
King Charles said he was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did,” according to a statement issued by Buckingham Palace. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said his “thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, the Prince of Wales, the Royal Family and in particular her three children at this difficult time,” according to his post on X.
