Kate Middleton Reveals Cancer Diagnosis in New Video Message: Breaking

Sam Reed
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Kate Middleton is finally speaking out.

More than two months after Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales would be taking time away from her royal duties to recover from “planned” abdominal surgery, we have the first statement from Kate Middleton herself.

The palace released a two-minute video on Friday, March 21, in which the 42-year-old speaks directly to camera about the details of her surgery, recovery, and current health status.

Middleton reveals that after a successful abdominal surgery, her medical team found that cancer was present in her body. At the insistence of her doctors, the princess says that she has just begun a course of preventive chemotherapy treatment. She and William, she adds, have been taking the past few weeks to explain the situation to their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

“As I’ve said to them, I am well,” says Middleton. “I’m 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 has been a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support, and kindness that is being shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”

She goes on to ask for privacy for herself and her family while they navigate next steps. “We hope that you’ll 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’m able. But for now I must focus on making a full recovery. ”

Middleton concludes her message with a note to fellow cancer patients and survivors. “At this time, I’m 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.”

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In its initial statement to the public released on January 17, Kensington Palace wrote that the princess would not be returning to the public eye until after Easter, which falls on March 31 this year, following the “successful” surgery. However, some royals watchers began to voice concern about Middleton’s whereabouts in early February, shortly after the princess returned home to Windsor following a stay in the hospital. The concern quickly spiraled into conspiracy theories, which spread like wildfire across social media. “Where's Kate Middleton?” soon became an inescapable pop culture plot line, with everyone from John Oliver to Andy Cohen to Kim Kardashian weighing in on the princess’s mysterious “disappearance.”

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On March 10 we heard from Middleton herself for the first time when she shared a UK Mother’s Day message alongside a photo with her children to social media. The image, which was released to photo news agencies, was then swiftly recalled over signs of obvious editing—which only stoked more intrigue from the public. Even Prince William was dragged into the fray, as fans resurfaced rumors of an affair between William and Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley.

The princess has been photographed by paparazzi three times since January. On social media, fans cried “stunt double” and “Photoshop” (much to the chagrin of the photographers). Now that Middleton has stepped in front of the camera, hopefully the internet can lay all of these theories to rest—and give the princess some well-deserved rest and relaxation. She’s more than earned it.

Read Kate Middleton’s statement in full below:

I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you personally for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I’ve 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 noncancerous. 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’m 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 is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I’m going to be OK.

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’ll 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’m able but for now I must focus on making a full recovery. At this time I’m 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.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Originally Appeared on Glamour

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