Kate Middleton announces she’s undergoing treatment for cancer in a video released on March 22, 2024.Photo:BBC Studios

Kate Middleton EMBARGOED UNTIL 3/22/24 at 2PM

BBC Studios

Kate Middletonis undergoing treatment for cancer.

The Princess of Wales, 42, shared her health news on Friday in a personal video message, which comes after Kensington Palace announced on Jan. 17 that Princess Kate had undergone a “planned abdominal surgery” the previous day. At the time, it was understood that the issue was non-cancerous, but post-operative tests “found cancer had been present.” The type of cancer was not revealed. A Kensington Palace spokesperson says, “We will not be sharing any further private medical information. The Princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do.”

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” she said. “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.”

Calling the news a “huge shock,” Kate said that she andPrince William"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."

A palace spokesperson says Princess Kate started the course of preventative chemotherapy in late February.

Meanwhile, Prince William “will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year.” The Prince of Wales is expected to spend time with his family during his children’s Easter break from school in early April before returning to royal engagements.

Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Korea state visit on Nov. 21, 2023.Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend a ceremonial welcome for The President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea at Horse Guards Parade on November 21, 2023 in London, England

Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images

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Princess Kate made her last official public appearance at the end of 2023 when shejoined members of the royal family for their traditional Christmas church outingin Norfolk.

source: people.com