London: Amid the continuing speculation over her health, Britain’s Princess of Wales Kate Middleton on Friday revealed that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy as the tests conducted after her major abdominal surgery in January confirmed cancer.
In a video message, the 42-year-old said the diagnosis was a “huge shock after an incredibly tough couple of months.”
“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 Kate.
She did not specify the type of cancer or its stage, but added, “I am well and getting stronger every day”.
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024
She further said: “William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis (her children) in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.”
Asking other cancer patients to not lose faith and hope, the princess said ‘You are not alone’. “We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” she added.
Following her operation, the palace had said the princess would not return to official duties until after Easter, which falls at the end of this month. But her absence from public life had led to intense speculation and wild rumours on social media, including even conspiracy theories about the couple’s relationship.
In February, Buckingham Palace had revealed about King Charles III was diagnosed with an unspecified cancer while undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate at the same hospital as Kate in January.