Two months after undergoing “major” abdominal surgery, Kate, the Princess of Wales, announced in a video message posted on Friday that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy.
The cancer’s nature remains undisclosed. As per Kensington Palace, Kate commenced a prophylactic chemotherapy regimen at the end of February.
The news coincided with King Charles III, Kate’s father-in-law, receiving cancer treatment, and it prompted a flood of well wishes.
The video was shot at Windsor on Wednesday. “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,” the 42-year-old Kate stated. “This has taken time, as you may imagine. I had to take some time off after a big surgery before I could begin my treatment.”
She reported that following her scheduled abdominal surgery in mid-January, post-operative tests revealed the malignancy.
Referred to as a “major abdominal surgery,” Kate stated in her video that “at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.” Her particular surgical procedure has not been made public.
“The surgery went well,” Kate reported. Tests conducted following the procedure, however, revealed the presence of malignancy. As a result, my medical team recommended that I start a prophylactic chemotherapy course, which I am currently doing.”
Kate’s ailment was declared non-cancerous by Kensington Palace at the time of her operation. Since then, the palace hasn’t given much information about her status.
“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 stated. “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 Prince William by her side, according to Kate, has been “a great source of comfort and reassurance.”
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“As a family, we now require some time, space, and solitude as I finish my therapy, and we hope that you would appreciate this. I’ve always been deeply happy at work, and I look forward to returning when I can, but for the time being I have to concentrate on getting well,” Kate stated. “Everyone whose life has been impacted by cancer is also on my mind. Please don’t give up or lose hope for anyone dealing with this illness, no matter how it manifests itself. You’re not by yourself.
As soon as her medical team gives the all-clear, Kate will resume her formal responsibilities, the palace announced.
A source for Buckingham Palace said on Friday that Charles is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.”
In January, the princess of Wales and the king were admitted to the hospital simultaneously. According to the spokeswoman, the king has “stayed in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law” during the past few weeks.
According to the statement, Charles and his spouse Queen Camilla “will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, released a statement saying, “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
The remarks made by the Sussexes coincide with a long-standing disagreement between Harry and William.
In a statement, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak expressed his condolences to Kate and her family and said, “She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today.”
