Kate Middleton has revealed she is battling cancer.
In a video message released Friday, March 22, the Princess of Wales said the cancer was discovered during tests after she underwent abdominal surgery in January.
“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who’ve taken great care of me, for which I’m so grateful,” she said in the video distributed by the BBC.
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Middleton, 42, described her initial surgery as “major,” but did not disclose what type of cancer she has.
“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,” she explained. “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.”
Middleton noted that she and husband Prince William are trying to come to terms with her diagnosis.
“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,” she added.
Kate and William have faced intense criticism over the past weeks for not disclosing more details about her hospitalization, and for a photo editing controversy, after the Associated Press and other photo agencies revealed the royal family had manipulated a picture released of Kate with her children.
In her video statement, Kate said it has “taken time” to explain the cancer diagnosis to her three children, and having Prince William by her side has been “a great source of comfort and reassurance.”
“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,” Middleton said.
“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,” she added.
On Feb. 5, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles was diagnosed with cancer. Palace insiders did not divulge what type of cancer the king has, but said he would be temporarily stepping back from public duties while undergoing treatment.
Watch Friday’s announcement video from Kate Middleton below:
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