Kate Middleton shares cancer diagnosis as she tells those facing the disease ‘you are not alone’
The princess has asked for “time, space and privacy”
Kate Middleton has announced that she has been diagnosed with cancer and has began chemotherapy.
The Princess of Wales revealed the diagnosis in a video posted today (Friday March 22 2023), calling it a “huge shock.”
The wife of William, Prince of Wales, and mother to George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five, has not shared what type of cancer she has. She received the diagnosis after undergoing major abdominal surgery for a condition that was initially believed to be noncancerous in January.
The news follows King Charles II sharing that he was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment in February.
Kensington Palace has said Kate’s video was recorded by the BBC in Windsor on Wednesday.
“I am well and getting stronger every day” – Kate Middleton
In the video, Kate said: “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.”
The 42-year-old continued: “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,” Kate added. “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.”