Kate, the Princess of Wales has shared a moving video from her Windsor home revealing that she has been diagnosed with cancer.
The future Queen underwent successful abdominal surgery on January 16, and no tests at the time had found cancer. However, post-operative tests later revealed that Kate had cancer and it us understood that she started preventative chemotherapy in late-February.
The Princess says the news came as a “huge shock” and has needed time to process the information and consider the best interests of the couple’s three young children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.
She appeared visibly moved in the two-minute long video filmed in Windsor, with noticable cracks in her voice. But she sought to deliver a positive message and said: “I am well and getting stronger every day.” Kate added that having William by her side “is a great source of comfort and reassurance”, as well as the outpouring of love and support from royal watchers around the globe.
A source close to the Princess of Wales told the Daily Express that “staff were in tears” when they learned of the cancer diagnosis. They added that “members of the Royal Household have been deeply affected by the news”.
Kate is said to be in “good spirits” and focused on her recovery. She has asked for “time, space and privacy”.
The Princess of Wales concluded her video with a defiant message to anyone affected by cancer, saying: “You are not alone.”
Wearing a stripy jumper and jeans, Kate says: “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.”
It is understood that the Prince and Princess of Wales and their family will not be appearing at the Easter Sunday church service next week, and William will take a break from royal duties during the children’s school holidays.
He will return to official duties after they return and will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties, as he has done since the start of the year when Kate’s surgery was first announced.
Kate will not return to official duties until she is cleared to do so by her medical team.
The King and Queen are aware of Kate’s condition and send the princess their love and support.
