Nine Princess Kate cancer questions answered – including what preventative chemotherapy is

The Princess of Wales shocked royal watchers worldwide last Friday when she announced she has been diagnosed with a type of cancer following her “major” abdominal surgery back in January.

Princess Kate spoke of an “incredibly tough couple of months” during a heart-wrenching video as she revealed she is undergoing preventative therapy for her illness.

She said the news came as a “huge shock” and has needed time to process the information and tell her and Prince William’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis “in a way that is appropriate”.

The future queen said: “I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”

Here, Express.co.uk takes a look at everything Kensington Palace has said following the royal’s shock announcement.

Princess Kate did not disclose what type of cancer she has or what stage, with the Palace saying the information will remain private.

A spokesperson said: “We will not be sharing any further private medical information.

“The Princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do.”

Kate said that after her abdominal surgery on January 16, her condition was thought to be non-cancerous, but later tests found cancer had been present, however, an exact date has not been released.

According to Kensington Palace, the princess learned she had cancer once “post-operative tests had been completed and results reviewed.”

She is understood to have started treatment in late February.

The future queen said she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy in her video.

Later a Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The princess is now on a recovery pathway having commenced a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February.”

Kensington Palace will not be commenting on the length of the course, or how often she is having treatment or where.

Princess Kate said in her video message that she is now going through preventative chemotherapy.

The treatment, also known as adjuvant chemotherapy, uses medicine to kill cancer cells left in the body after primary cancer treatment, like surgery.

The cells may settle in other parts of the body and develop into new tumours. These are called secondary cancers or metastases.

Adjuvant therapy is thought to lessen the chances of cancer coming back in the future.

It may also include radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or biological therapy, according to the National Cancer Institute (USA).

It is understood that Kate and William chose to reveal the news last Friday, as they felt they had enough time to process the news as a family and Kate could come to terms with it as well as recover from her abdominal surgery and start her treatment.

It is also understood the couple decided to make the announcement then as it was the start of the Easter holidays and their children had broken up from school.

The Palace said: “The princess wanted to share this information when she and the prince felt it was right for them as a family.”

While it was initially announced that Kate underwent abdominal surgery at the private hospital called the London Clinic, the Palace has not confirmed where she is being treated now and will not be sharing such details.

However, it is understood her medical team will likely consider several factors regarding her health care, including the impact on other patients, privacy and security.

Kate said in her video she will return as soon as she is able to but is currently focusing on making a full recovery.

She said: “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.”

Later, a Palace spokesperson confirmed: “The princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team.

“She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.”

Kensington Palace said the heir to the throne will continue to balance supporting his family while jugging his royal duties as he has done since the start of the year.

A spokesperson said: “The Prince will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year.”

He is currently taking time off over the Easter holidays to spend time with his family and is set to return to duties from April 17 – when the children return to school.

A spokesman said: “Their Royal Highnesses understand the interest this update will generate and are grateful for the public support they have received throughout this period.

“Kensington Palace will provide information, when the time is right, and the Princess is able to restart work and her duties. In the meantime, we would ask that the family’s privacy is respected.”