Kate Middleton, 42, says she was diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing preventative chemotherapy

• Kate Middleton, 42, has been diagnosed with cancer, she said in a video announcement Friday. 
• In a video shared by Kensington Palace, the Princess of Wales said doctors found "cancerous cells."
• Kate did not specify what type of cancer she has, but said she is receiving chemo.

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has cancer.

On Friday, Kensington Palace released a video of Kate, 42, speaking directly to the camera, marking her first official address to the public in 2024.

In the video, Kate revealed her medical team discovered she had cancerous cells in her body after an abdominal surgery in January. She also said that she has been undergoing chemotherapy.

Kate did not specify what type of cancer she has in the announcement.

Kensington Palace first announced Kate underwent "a planned abdominal surgery" on January 17. It said in a statement that she would not be resuming her public duties until after Easter and asked for her "personal medical information" to remain private.

In the video released Friday, Kate said her medical team initially thought her condition was "non-cancerous." But, she added, "tests after the operation found cancer had been present," leading her doctors to advise she "undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy."

The princess went on to say that she is in the early stages of her treatment and that Prince William has been a source of comfort for her during this time.

She also said that it took time to explain her condition to her children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — adding that she wanted them to know she would "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," Kate said.

She also reiterated a request for privacy in the video, saying, "We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment."

Kate's cancer diagnosis comes after months away from the public eye

Kate's announcement comes less than two months after King Charles III was also diagnosed with cancer and started treatment for his condition.

Her decision to share her cancer diagnosis also comes over three months after Kate made her last official public appearance alongside William, their children, Charles, and Queen Camilla on Christmas Day.

The following month, after Kate's "planned abdominal surgery," Kensington Palace said she returned back to Windsor to "continue her recovery" on January 29.

At the time, the palace said she was "making good progress."

While Kate has been recovering from surgery, wild theories about her whereabouts and well-being have spread online.

The speculation, which some have dubbed "Katespiracy," reached fever pitch after Kensington Palace released a Mother's Day portrait of Kate and her children, which photo agencies later recalled over suspected digital manipulation. Commentary on late-night television and social media also focused on the Princess of Wales.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.