Breaking months of silence and speculations surrounding her health, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, announced cancer diagnosis Friday in an on-camera statement shared by Buckingham Palace.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” she said. Kate further video detailed that tests following her ‘planned’ abdominal surgery revealed the presence of cancer.
“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,” said the statement. “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.”
The Princess further detailed that it had taken her time to recover from the surgery and “to explain everything” to her children George, Charlotte and Louis.
“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 Louie in a way that’s appropriate for them and to reassure them that I’m going to be okay. As I 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.”
She didn’t reveal the specific type of cancer she’s battling.
In the video, she asks for privacy during this difficult time for her and her family.
The Princess of Wales continued, “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,” she concluded. “You are not alone.”
Her public statement put a stop to the conspiracy theories that have been circulating for a couple of months.
In the wake of ongoing speculation surrounding the Princess of Wales’ condition and whereabouts, British police were asked to look into a potential breach of Kate’s health records, a British health minister claimed, as per reports.
Kate’s decision to reveal her cancer diagnosis and the treatments she has started could be a result of this potential health records breach.
Following her abdominal surgery, Kate was nowhere to be seen until TMZ posted a photo of her in the car together with her mother.
Later, Kate shared a photo of herself and her children posing at the patio, but it was determined that the photo was manipulated. The Princess took the blame for it, saying she was the one who had edited the photo herself.