Kate, Princess of Wales: undergoing cancer treatment

The Princess of Wales said she has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the early stages of treatment.

In a video statement, Duchess Kate said it was a “huge shock” after an “incredibly difficult few months”.

However, she sent a positive message, saying, “I'm fine and getting stronger day by day.''

Details of the cancer were not disclosed, but Kensington Palace said it was confident the princess would make a full recovery.

Duchess Kate's video statement explains that she was not told she had cancer when she underwent abdominal surgery in January.

“However, post-surgery tests revealed that cancer was present. Therefore, my medical team advised me to undergo preventive chemotherapy and I am currently in the early stages of that treatment.” the princess spoke.

Chemotherapy started in late February. The palace has said it will no longer share personal medical information, including the type of cancer.

The 42-year-old princess said her thoughts were with everyone affected by cancer, adding: “To everyone who is facing this disease in any way, never lose faith or hope. Please. You are not alone.”

Duchess Kate said her recovery from January's surgery was taking time and her priority was to reassure her family.

“William and I have done everything we can to handle and manage this matter privately for the benefit of our young family.”

The princess added: “It took me a while to explain everything in the proper way to George, Charlotte and Louis and reassure them that I was okay.”

She said the family needs “some time, space and privacy” now.

The king and queen were informed of the princess' health condition before Friday's announcement, and King Charles himself is undergoing treatment for cancer.

King Charles and Duchess Kate also received short-term treatment at the London Clinic's private hospital. Duchess Kate underwent abdominal surgery there, and the King was admitted for “corrective surgery” for an enlarged prostate.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the king was “extremely proud of Duchess Kate's courageous statement.”

He has “remained in the closest contact with my beloved daughter-in-law in recent weeks” even after they were hospitalized together.

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan sent a message saying, “We pray for the health and healing of Kate and her family, and hope that they can spend their time in peace in their private lives.''

Duchess Kate and Prince William are currently not scheduled to appear with the royal family on Easter Sunday, nor is the princess expected to return to royal duties early.

Kensington Palace also said that Prince William's sudden absence from the memorial service on February 27 was due to Duchess Kate's cancer diagnosis.

Since her surgery in January, the couple has faced intense public speculation and social media frenzy about her health. She has not attended any official function since Christmas.

In a video statement, she spoke of the support from her family: “Having William by my side is a source of great comfort and reassurance.

“As well as the love, support and kindness that so many of you have shown us. It means so much to both of us.”

Kensington Palace announced that the video of the princess was shot on Wednesday by BBC Studios, the production arm of the BBC.

In a statement, BBC News said: “Like other media outlets, BBC News was briefed on this announcement by Kensington Palace this afternoon.”

There have been calls for privacy at the palace following weeks of speculation and conspiracy theories about the royal couple.

The trend intensified after a photo agency withdrew a photo of the princess on Mother's Day, March 10, over concerns about digital tampering, after which the princess apologized.

Video footage of Prince William and Duchess Kate shopping in Windsor sparked debate on social media earlier this week.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said in a statement on Friday that Kate had shown “tremendous courage” and wished her a “speedy recovery”.

“In recent weeks, she has been under intense scrutiny and mistreatment in some parts of the world's media and on social media,” he said.

“When it comes to health issues, like everyone else, she must be given the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loved ones.”

Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with the royal family, adding he was “heartened” by Kate's “optimistic tone and message of faith and hope”.

He said: “Any cancer diagnosis is a shock, but I can only imagine the added stress of receiving the news amid all the crazy speculation over the last few weeks.”

Prince William and Duchess Kate “have a right to privacy and, like any parent, would have waited for the right time to tell their children.”

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said on X (formerly Twitter) that “millions of people around the world are praying” for Duchess Kate's “full recovery.”

Professor Pat Price, an oncologist and founder of the Keep Up With Cancer campaign, praised the princess for speaking out “so openly and openly”.

“As with the King's diagnosis, by doing so she will provide an important impetus for more people to get a health check, and help people living with cancer feel confident to talk about their experience. There is no doubt that it will happen.

“This announcement is a stark and shocking reminder that cancer does not care about age or social status.”

Additional reporting by Jemma Crew