London — The Princess of Wales, Catherine, disclosed on Friday that she is undergoing treatment for cancer, with a diagnosis expected in the “early stages.”
The princess, Kate, posted a video statement on social media describing her diagnosis as a “huge shock.” The announcement was made two months after she had briefly left the public eye to undergo surgery for a non-cancerous stomach ailment, according to Kensington Palace at the time.
“My condition was believed to be non-cancerous at the time I underwent major abdominal surgery in London in January,” stated Catherine, 42, the wife of Prince William, the heir apparent to the British monarchy.
“The procedure went well. On the other hand, postoperative tests revealed the presence of malignancy. Consequently, my medical team recommended that I start a prophylactic chemotherapy course, which I am currently undergoing.
“For the sake of our small family, William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately,” Kate went on.
“As you can imagine, this has taken time,” the princess continued. In order to begin my treatment, I had to take some time to heal from a significant operation. Most importantly, though, is that it has taken some time to reassure George, Charlotte, and Louis that I would be okay and to explain everything to them in a way that is suitable for them.
By concentrating on the things that will help her heal—in her mind, body, and spirit—Kate claimed to have informed them that she is “well and getting stronger every day.”
She thanked the public for their support and called Prince William “a great source of comfort and reassurance” for being by her side.
“As a family, we now require some time, space, and privacy while I finish my treatment, and we hope you will understand this.” I’ve always been deeply happy at work, and I look forward to returning when I can, but for the time being I have to concentrate on getting well,” the princess stated.
“I implore everyone dealing with this illness, in whatever form, to hold onto their hope and faith. Kate said, “You are not alone.”
The congratulations began to come in shortly after she made her announcement.
According to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the princess was backed and loved by the entire nation. On social media on Friday, Sunak posted that he was thinking of Kate and “in particular her three children” and that she had showed “tremendous bravery with her statement.”
The White House, meanwhile, declared that the government was “extremely sad to hear of the news” and described the princess’ update as “terrible.” The administration is thinking of the monarch and her family “during this incredibly difficult time, and certainly we wish her a full recovery,” according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
“I’m not going to go further than that because it’s important that we respect their privacy, especially at this time,” Jean-Pierre emphasized.
The discovery, which comes as King Charles III is now receiving treatment for an unidentified malignancy that was reported by Buckingham Palace in early February, is a terrible blow to the British monarchy.
Kensington Palace revealed the following day that Kate had undergone a planned stomach operation with success after being hospitalized to The London Clinic on January 16. After the procedure, she spent 13 days in the hospital and, per the doctor’s advice, has not returned to her public duties while she recovers.
For the first time since her operation, Kate was seen in public last weekend when she and her husband, Prince William, visited a farm shop.