Kate Middleton, known as the Princess of Wales, shared that she discovered cancer during her abdominal surgery earlier this year and is now getting “preventative chemotherapy,” she said on Friday.
Kensington Palace has not revealed the type of cancer Middleton has, but stated that it was found in tests after her abdominal surgery.
“In January, I had major abdominal surgery in London and initially it was believed to be non-cancerous. Although the surgery was successful, post-operative tests showed that cancer had been present,” she explained in a video message posted on social media Friday afternoon, dressed casually in jeans and a white striped sweater.
“My medical team recommended that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I’m now in the early stages of that treatment. This was obviously a huge shock and William and I have been doing everything we can to handle this privately for the sake of our young family.”
“As you can imagine, it took time for me to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But most importantly, we needed time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is suitable for them and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.
“As I’ve told them, I am doing 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 also a great source of comfort and reassurance.”
In her statement she requested for “time, space and privacy” as she goes through her treatment.
“For now, I must concentrate on making a full recovery.”
Neither the Palace, nor Middleton, has confirmed what type of surgery she originally had in January that led to the discovery of cancer.
The initial surgery announcement
On Jan. 17, Kensington Palace released their first statement about Middleton’s health, informing the world that she had undergone an abdominal surgery the previous day at the London Clinic.
“Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter,” the Palace said at that time, adding that she would spend 10 to 14 days in hospital before returning home to recuperate.
The statement also noted that Middleton preferred that her “personal medical information” remain private and didn’t specify the type of surgery.
A second statement was released 13 days later saying the Princess had returned to the family’s home in Windsor to continue her recovery.
The Princess “is making good progress,” the Palace said on Jan. 29.
The Palace intitally announced that the surgery was for a “non-cancerous” condition. It was only later, following post-operative testing, that the disease was detected.
More to come.
