Kate Middleton reveals cancer diagnosis and asks for privacy

After weeks of speculation over the Princess of Wales’s health since she underwent abdominal surgery in January, Kate Middleton has this evening issued a statement. In a video message, the Princess of Wales says she is in the early stages of chemotherapy after cancer was found in tests. She said the news had come as a “huge shock” but while it had been an “incredibly tough couple of months,” she is “well and getting stronger every day.”

In the statement, the Princess says that it was after the operation in January that doctors found cancer 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.

The Princess of Wales said that part of the reason for the delay in making a public comment, despite growing speculation over her health, was that it has “taken time” to explain everything to their three young children George, Charlotte and Louis.

As for the next steps, she asked for “time, space and privacy” as she undergoes treatment so she can focus on making a full recovery. The Princess of Wales did not go into the detail of the type of cancer. It’s clear from the video message that the hope is this statement will be enough to end the ongoing speculation in the media and over social media as to her absence from public duties. With King Charles announcing his cancer diagnosis in February, two members of the royal family are facing serious health issues.

Rishi Sunak paid tribute to Kate after the release of the video. The British prime minister said: “My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales, the Royal Family and in particular her three children at this difficult time. The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery.”

This article was originally published on The Spectator’s UK website.