Kate Middleton Diagnosed With Cancer, Says She's In 'Early Stages' Of Treatment In Heartbreaking Video
Kate Middleton has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy, according to a video message released on Friday, two months after she underwent abdominal surgery.
The cancer was discovered in post-operative tests after her planned surgery, according to reports.
The type of cancer has not been released.
According to CNN, she is in the "early stages" of treatment.
The Princess of Wales reportedly started chemotherapy in late February. Her announcement comes as her father-in-law, King Charles III, also undergoes cancer treatment for prostate cancer.
"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," Kate said in the video.
RELATED: King Charles III Seen Leaving Buckingham Palace Amid Battle With Cancer
"As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment," she continued in the clip, which was filmed at Windsor on Wednesday.
"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous," the 42-year-old said, who is married to the heir to the British throne, Prince William.
She continued: "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."
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The mother of three said that she had told her children; Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, she is "well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits."
She also praised her husband, William, for being by her side as "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," she said. "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."
