Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has disclosed that she is undergoing treatment for cancer.
The princess underwent a major abdominal surgery at The London Clinic in January. Kate said on Friday that tests were done, which revealed that she had cancer.
The news is another cruel blow to the royal family with King Charles and the future queen now both fighting cancer at the same time.
The Princess of Wales revealed her illness to the world in a personal and deeply moving video message. In a 2-minute long video statement, the Princess who has been away from public eye from December, shared that the news came as a “huge shock” and led to “incredibly tough couple of months” for the royal family.
“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,” she said.
The 42-year-old said that it took time to come to terms with the news and to share it with her children — George (10), Charlotte (8) and Louis (5).
The princess also thanked her husband, Prince William, for his support and asked for privacy for her family.
“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,” she said.
“I am doing well,” she added, in the video. “I am becoming stronger each day by concentrating on activities aiding my recovery.”
“At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer,” the princess added. “For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
The princess’s prolonged absence had social media users speculating about her health over the last few months after the princess shared a heavily altered photo of her with her three children on Mothers’ Day.
King Charles, who has been on the throne for 17 months, expressed admiration for his “beloved daughter-in-law” following her candid disclosure.
Kate’s brother James Middleton took to social media to share a photograph of the siblings as children. “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too,” he wrote.
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, said: ‘In the face of this news, it is our hope that Her Royal Highness will feel sustained by the love that surrounds her and find renewed hope in the prayers that we offer.’
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery. She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today. In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media. When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also released a statement: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
(Agencies; Picture Courtesy: Reuters)
