In a heartbreaking blow for the royal family, the Princess of Wales announced Friday that she is in the early stages of chemotherapy treatment, as she praised husband Prince William for being by her side.
The princess did not disclose the type of cancer she has, but said the diagnosis came as a “huge shock.”
Kate Middleton revealed she has cancer in a video message posted Friday.BBC Studios
She is undergoing chemotherapy.BBC Studios00:0004:06
The princess said the diagnosis “came as a huge shock.”BBC StudiosEXPLORE MORE
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In an emotional video, the 42-year-old mother of three told viewers, “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.”
Looking very pale in a striped sweater and jeans, but with her trademark glossy brown hair styled for the cameras, the princess admitted the diagnosis “came as a huge shock.”
Middleton underwent major abdominal surgery in January.Javier Garcia/Shutterstock
She initially thought her condition was non-cancerous, but doctors eventually learned otherwise.Shutterstock
“William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she said somberly.
Palace sources told Page Six that Middleton and William had wanted to keep the information private until their children — Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 — had had time to “understand and process the news before it was made public.”
However, the children began Easter vacation from their schools on Friday and the couple thought it was the right time to speak out.
The Princess of Wales waited to disclose her diagnosis for the sake of her three children.Samir Hussein/WireImage
She wanted to make sure they had time to “understand and process the news before it was made public.”Geoff Robinson/Shutterstock
A photo of Middleton with the youngsters went viral when it was found to have been altered.Prince of Wales/Kensington Palac / MEGA
“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.”
Despite intense — and false — rumors that William, 41, had been having an affair with British aristocrat Rose Hanbury, which were given credence on air by CBS star Stephen Colbert, Middleton praised her husband for standing by her side during this hard time.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been dealing with affair speculation.Getty Images
William was said to be romancing Lady Rose Hanbury.James Veysey/Shutterstock
However, Middleton said she is relying on Prince William for support and “comfort.”Getty Images
The princess said the public’s love “means so much” to both her and the future king of England.Jane Barlow/WPA Pool/Shutterstock
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too,” she said. “As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”
Middleton’s news comes just weeks after King Charles was also diagnosed with cancer.
“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” said Kate. “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.”
She concluded her message by speaking directly to others battling cancer.
“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,” she powerfully said.
Middleton asked for privacy.Dave Shopland/Shutterstock
“We now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” she said.Shutterstock
Middleton added that she will get back to work eventually, but is now focusing on her health.Geoff Robinson/Shutterstock
Middleton will be getting treatment out of the public eye and resting at home in Windsor, as palace sources say the family hopes for privacy.
The princess has been at the center of cruel and relentless conspiracy theories over the past few weeks following her disappearance from public life after undergoing major abdominal surgery in January.
She was seen in photos published earlier this week alongside William at a farm shop in Windsor looking healthy, but even that piqued conspiracy theorists, who insisted it was a body double.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s pal, tech CEO Christopher Bouzy, who appeared in their Netflix documentary, tweeted, “I’ve compiled a few older videos of William and Kate walking together, as well as the recent video from Windsor Farm. Take a look and decide for yourself if it’s Kate or not.
Many insisted it was actually a Middleton body double who was seen at a farm stand with Prince William earlier this week.The Sun
Christopher Bouzy, one of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s pals, fueled the body double theories.Netflix
“We were told Kate was recovering and would resume her royal duties shortly,” Bouzy continued. “Yet, in the recent video, she is holding a bag and moving briskly. If she’s capable of such activity, why isn’t she back to fulfilling her royal duties yet?”
On the other hand, the weeks of social media chaos prompted Jimmy Kimmel to urge people to leave Middleton alone.
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“She had an operation, she had abdominal surgery. Maybe she has a colostomy bag and doesn’t want everybody to see it. I mean, really,” he said during his late-night show Thursday.
“People are demanding she get dressed up and march through London so we can have a look at her. Leave this woman alone!”
