Kate, the Princess of Wales, is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed cancerous condition that has led to an “incredibly tough couple of months” for her family.
The Princess said in a statement released by Kensington Palace this afternoon that, when doctors completed her abdominal surgery in January, they believed her condition was non-cancerous.
Following further investigation, it was determined to have, in fact, been cancerous, and she is now in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy.
She told of the stress experienced by her family and efforts to keep the news quiet in the hopes the Wales family could retain some privacy following the diagnosis.
But she did disclose details of how she broke the news to her young children, including a heartwarming six-word message for the royal youngsters.
In her statement the Princess said she needed time to speak to her family and “reassure them that I am going to be ok”.
The full statement reads: “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.”
