In light of questions surrounding her absence, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has confirmed undergoing cancer treatment in a health update released Friday.
In a heartfelt video, Middleton disclosed that despite initial beliefs of a non-cancerous condition, cancer was discovered after abdominal surgery, and she is now undergoing early stages of preventative chemotherapy. She didn’t specify the type of cancer.
Middleton expressed gratitude to her medical team for their care during this challenging time.
Married to Prince William, the heir to the British throne, Middleton’s disclosure comes amidst King Charles III’s own cancer treatment following his recent diagnosis earlier this year.
Speculation arose regarding Middleton’s whereabouts since January when she was admitted for planned abdominal surgery.
While the palace remained silent on the specifics, it was announced that Middleton would remain hospitalized for two weeks, postponing her public duties until after Easter.
In her update, Middleton didn’t provide a timeline for her return to public duties, acknowledging the need to prioritize her recovery.
The public’s curiosity heightened as paparazzi photos emerged in early March, though doubts persisted due to photo manipulation allegations.
Middleton later apologized for the controversy, attributing it to her amateur photo editing.
However, skepticism regarding Middleton’s status persists, fueling ongoing speculation.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.
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.
In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.
The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.
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.
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.
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 Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.
As I have 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 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. You are not alone.”
