The Princess of Wales has revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the early stages of undergoing chemotherapy.
In a “personal message” filmed by the BBC in the gardens of Windsor Castle, the duchess spoke of her “shock” at discovering her condition after undergoing major abdominal surgery in January.
She has since been the subject of various rumors, with Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer slamming the “ridiculous” and “unfair” speculation in recent weeks following Friday’s news.
Duchess Kate said she needed time to explain the situation to her husband Prince William and their three children – George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and Louis, 5.
“Of course this has been a huge shock. William and I have done everything we can to handle and manage this privately for our young family,” she said. “As you can imagine, this took some time. It took time to recover from major surgery and begin treatment. But most importantly, we needed George, Charlotte and Louis to do the right thing. It took me a while to explain everything and reassure him that I was okay.”
King Charles, 75, is also undergoing treatment for cancer and was hospitalized at the same time as Duchess Kate in January, and he spoke of his pride in Duchess Kate’s “courage to speak out like she did.”
“After we were hospitalized together, [His Majesty] “He has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law over the past few weeks,” Buckingham Palace said. “Their Majesties continue to offer their love and support to the entire family through this difficult time.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: “We wish Kate and her family health and healing,” adding:[We] I hope they can do it privately and peacefully. ”
According to the palace, Duchess Kate started chemotherapy treatment in late February. It is believed that her announcement of the news was timed to coincide with children being dismissed from school for the Easter holidays.
Wearing a white jumper with black stripes, the Duchess spoke without appearing nervous, but momentarily looked down when talking about her family’s shock at hearing the news.
The palace said it wanted to provide a medical update to end speculation caused by Duchess Kate being admitted to a London clinic on January 16 for major abdominal surgery. did. At the time, the palace declined to confirm the details of Kate’s treatment, but said her condition was non-cancerous.
Katherine said the cancer was discovered after surgery. In a statement published by the Duchess Kate on Friday, which begins with a thank you to those who have sent her messages of support, she said she is feeling well and that she is “getting stronger every day.” she said.
Furthermore, she added: “The last few months have been incredibly difficult for all of our family, but I am so grateful to my amazing medical team for taking great care of me.
“I had major abdominal surgery in London in January, and at the time it was thought that my condition was not cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, post-surgery tests revealed that cancer was present. Therefore, my medical team advised me to undergo preventive chemotherapy, and I am currently in the early stages of that treatment.”
Katherine said she was able to reassure her children that she would recover from her diagnosis. “Just as I told them. I get better and stronger every day by focusing on things that help me heal. In my mind, body, and spirit,” she said. said. “Having William by my side is also a source of great comfort and reassurance, as is the love, support and kindness that so many of you have shown me. It means so much to both of us. .”
It is understood that Prince William’s absence from the memorial service for his godfather, Constantine II, in late February was due to his cancer diagnosis being a “personal matter”.
The royal couple, who will celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary next month, have endured weeks of rumors about Kate’s condition. The speculation was further heightened when the Princess of Wales’s first official photo released after her abdominal surgery two months ago was recalled by some of the world’s biggest film agencies because it had been doctored.
She publicly apologized for the “mess” shortly afterwards, saying she was responsible for digitally editing the Mother’s Day family photo.
In a statement released Friday, Duchess Kate said she had asked for time and space to complete her treatment and was looking forward to returning to royal duties.
She said, “I hope you understand that as a family, I need some time, space, and privacy until I finish my treatment. I look forward to coming back when the time comes, 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. To all who are facing this disease, please do not lose faith or hope in any way. you are not alone.”
The Palace did not provide further information about the type of cancer that was discovered.
Following the announcement, Mr Sunak condemned the treatment of the princess “in some parts of the media and on social media around the world”.
Mr Starmer said: “A cancer diagnosis is shocking. But I can only imagine receiving that news amidst all the ridiculous speculation we’ve seen in recent weeks is even more stressful.”
