Kate Middleton has cancer and has been getting treatment since hospital stay
Kate Middleton has been diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy as part of the treatment.
This is the latest announcement from Buckingham Palace as the Royal Family and Prince William in particular look to put ‘Katespiracy’ behind them.
The Princess of Wales underwent an abdominal surgery at the London Clinic on January 16 for what was then believed to be a non cancerous condition.
It happened the same time as King Charles was getting treatment at the facility.
But biopsy results of the operation showed that cancer was present, doctors said.
The 42-year-old has been undergoing preventative chemotherapy and has been recovering from both the surgery and the treatment in the past three months.
In a devastating address to the nation, Kate said: ‘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.’
At the time, the Palace said that her operation was ‘successful’ and it is anticipated that Kate will remain in hospital for up to two weeks.
After being discharged from hospital, the future Queen retreated from her official duties for three months.
But the full extent of her condition has never been discussed officially – at least, not until now.
And the Palace has said it will be a matter for the royal to decide herself when she feels well enough to return to work.
Kate added in the video: ‘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.’
Following his ‘beloved’ daughter-in-law’s announcement, the King said he is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’.
A spokesperson said His Majesty has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.’
Politicians and celebrities have lined up to pay tribute to the princess moments after the announcement was made.
Prime minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmern were among the first to send her their best wishes.
Her whereabouts have been dominating the headlines for weeks, particularly after Kensington Palace released a doctored image of the princess with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Conspiracy theories over her withdrawal from public life have also engulfed social media, even being peddled by US media outlets.
Things began to look more positive as Kate and William were seen visiting a farm shop near the family home, Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
Earlier this week it was reported that three members of staff at the London Clinic where she was a patient had reportedly tried to access her medical records, with an investigation now underway.
An internal investigation has been launched at the hospital and its chief executive issued a statement on Wednesday saying ‘all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken’.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.