Kate Middleton Is Being Treated for Cancer, Kensington Palace Announces
When Kate Middleton underwent abdominal surgery in January, one of the only things Kensington Palace advised about her condition was that it was not thought to be cancerous. However, subsequent tests have revealed that cancer was present and the Princess has chosen to reveal her diagnosis in a heartfelt personal message today.
“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,” she said in the message after stating that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was being treated with a course of what she described as preventative chemotherapy.
The news comes after weeks of intense online speculation about the Princess’s welfare following her absence from public duties. However, Kensington Palace said today that the timing of this announcement was connected to when the Princess felt it was the right time for her and her family to share this news publicly.
It comes as King Charles is also being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer. Like the King, the Princess has chosen not to disclose what kind of cancer she has, and other than saying she is receiving preventative chemotherapy she is not giving any other information about her treatment. The Princess is understood to have started her preventative chemotherapy in late February and it continues.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are currently on break from school for the Easter holidays, and announcing this now means that William and Kate will be able to better protect their children from the noise and attention that such an announcement will undoubtedly generate. “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 said. “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," Kate said.
Kate’s video message was recorded by BBC studios on Wednesday, March 20. She filmed while sitting on a bench in Windsor.
The Princess is understood to be feeling in good spirits and focussed on her recovery. She fully intends to go about her daily life while undergoing treatment and recovering and the family is asking for privacy at this time.
Read the Princess's message in full below:
I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery. It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
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. 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.
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.
We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My 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.
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. You are not alone.
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