Read Kate Middleton's full statement on her cancer diagnosis

• Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving treatment.
• Middleton said the cancer was discovered after a planned abdominal surgery in January.
• Her statement came after weeks of speculation about her and her husband, Prince William.

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, announced on Friday that she has cancer and has been undergoing treatment.

The video statement, shared on Instagram, came after weeks of speculation surrounding the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Middleton, 42, said the cancer was discovered after an abdominal surgery in January and that she has been undergoing chemotherapy. The type of cancer was not specified.

Read her full remarks here:

"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's appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay. As I've 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."