Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has revealed that she's been diagnosed with cancer amid speculation regarding her lack of public appearances in 2024.
"I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you personally for all the wonderful messages of support, and for your understanding whilst I've been recovering from surgery," said Middleton, 42, in a video shared on Friday, March 22. "It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I've had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful."
Middleton underwent "major abdominal surgery" in January, which she said doctors believed was for a non-cancerous condition. "The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present," she continued. "My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I'm now in the early stages of that treatment."
She said the diagnosis "came as a huge shock" to her and her family. Middleton added that she and her husband Prince William, 41, have taken their time to process the diagnosis privately. They've also explained the situation to their children, 10-year-old Prince George, 8-year-old Princess Charlotte, and 5-year-old Prince Louis.
She continued, "I am well. I'm getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal. ... We hope that you'll understand, that as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment. ... At this time, I'm 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. You are not alone."
The reveal of Middleton's cancer diagnosis comes after weeks of speculation surrounding her whereabouts and surgery. She wasn't seen in public for almost three months. Kensington Palace shared in a statement that she won't return to her public duties "until after Easter."
Nothing could stop the speculation from running rampant. In February, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles was diagnosed with cancer shortly after he was released from the hospital following a "planned medical treatment." Many theorized that the way Charles' health was addressed by the Royal Family could indicate something was going on with Middleton, too.
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