Kate, Princess of Wales: I am receiving cancer treatment

The Princess of Wales says she is in the early stages of treatment after a cancer diagnosis.

In a video statement, Catherine says it was a “huge shock” after an “incredibly tough couple of months.”

But he sent a positive message: “I’m fine and I feel stronger every day.”

Details of the cancer have not been revealed, but Kensington Palace says it is confident the princess will make a full recovery.

Catherine’s video statement explains that when she underwent abdominal surgery in January, she was not known to have cancer.

“However, tests carried out after the operation discovered that there was cancer. Therefore, my medical team recommended that I undergo preventive chemotherapy treatment and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” said the princess. .

Chemotherapy treatment began at the end of February. The palace says it will no longer share private medical information, including the type of cancer.

The princess, 42, said she was thinking of all those who have been affected by cancer, adding: “To all those facing this disease, in any form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone “.

Catherine said recovery from her surgery in January, for an undisclosed condition, had taken time and the priority now was to reassure her family.

“William and I have been doing our best to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

The princess added: “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 okay.”

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

The king and queen had been informed of the news about the princess’s health before Friday’s announcement, and King Charles himself is also receiving cancer treatment.

King Charles and Catherine were briefly treated at the private London Clinic hospital at the same time: Catherine had her abdominal surgery there and the king was admitted for a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the king was “very proud of Catherine for her bravery in speaking out as she did.”

Following their stay together in the hospital, “he has remained in close contact with his beloved daughter-in-law over the past few weeks.”

Prince Harry and Meghan sent a message saying, “We wish Kate and the family health and healing, and hope they can do so privately and peacefully.”

Catherine and Prince William are now not expected to appear with the Royal Family on Easter Sunday, and there will be no early return to official duties for the princess.

Kensington Palace also said Prince William’s sudden absence from a memorial service on February 27 was due to the discovery of Catherine’s cancer diagnosis.

The couple has faced intense public speculation and a social media frenzy about their health since their operation in January. She has not attended any official events since Christmas.

In her video statement, she spoke about her family’s support: “Having William by my side is also a great source of comfort and peace of mind.

“As does the love, support and kindness so many of you have shown. It means a lot to both of us.”

Kensington Palace said the video of the princess was filmed on Wednesday by BBC Studios, the production arm of the BBC.

In a statement, BBC News said: “Along with other media, BBC News was informed by Kensington Palace of the announcement this afternoon.”

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

This intensified after photo agencies removed a photograph of the princess for Mother’s Day, March 10, due to concerns about digital alterations, for which the princess subsequently apologized.

There were also theories on social media about a video showing Prince William and Catherine shopping in Windsor earlier this week.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday that Catherine had shown “tremendous courage” with her statement and wished her a “speedy recovery”.

He said: “In recent weeks she has come under intense scrutiny and been treated unfairly by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media.

“When it comes to health issues, like everyone else, you should be given privacy to focus on your treatment and be with your loving family.”

Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with the Royal Family and added that he was “encouraged” by Catherine’s “upbeat tone” and her message of faith and hope.

He said: “Any cancer diagnosis is shocking. But I can only imagine the added stress of receiving that news amid the lurid speculation we have seen in recent weeks.”

William and Catherine have a “right to privacy and, like any parents, will have waited to choose the right moment to tell their children.”

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

“As was the case with King’s diagnosis, his decision will no doubt give many more people that vital push to get checked and give other people affected by cancer more confidence to talk about their own experience.

“This announcement is a clear and powerful reminder that cancer makes no distinction between age or social status.”

Additional information from Jemma Crew