Kate, Princess of Wales, reveals cancer diagnosis in video message: ‘huge shock’

Screengrabs from a video shared on Instagram by @princeandprincessofwales

Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer. In a video message that put an end to weeks of frenzied speculation about her whereabouts, the British royal said the diagnosis came as a “huge shock. Catherine, also known as Kate, said she is in the early stages of treatment and is undergoing chemotherapy for the cancer.

On January 17, Kensington Palace had shared a statement saying that Kate had undergone a planned abdominal surgery and would only resume official duties after Easter. Her ‘disappearance’ from the public eye led to weeks of speculation and conspiracy theories.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” said Kate, 42, said in a video message released a few hours ago.

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“William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she continued.

“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 okay.”

The Princess of Wales requested some “time, space and privacy” for her family.

According to BBC, Kate’s chemotherapy began in late February. The palace has declined to provide further details, including the type of cancer.

King Charles, who is also battling cancer, was informed of Kate’s diagnosis before the announcement. Charles’s cancer diagnosis was announced by the Buckingham Palace in early February.