Following abdominal surgery in January, The Princess of Wales has announced that she undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer in a personal video.
The video came after weeks of online speculation and conspiracy theories on the Princess’ health and her whereabouts, especially following an admission from Catherine about a photoshopped family image shared for Mothers’ Day last weekend.
The Princess of Wales is undergoing chemotherapy as a preventative measure
Catherine opened her video by taking the ‘opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support’ and understanding whilst she recovers from surgery.
Stating that ‘it has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family’, following The King’s own cancer diagnosis in January, Catherine is ‘grateful’ for her ‘fantastic medical team’.
The mother-of-three said that when she underwent major abdominal surgery, her unknown condition wasn’t thought to be cancerous. Whilst the ‘surgery was successful’, further tests after the operation found that cancer had been present.
Catherine was advised to ‘undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy’ for which she is now in the early stages.
Prince William and Kate, The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis leaving the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham in 2023
Catherine said that the diagnosis came as a ‘huge shock’ and that she and William have been doing everything they can to process the news and manage it privately for their family.
She added how they needed time to explain the situation to their young children in a way that ‘is appropriate for them’ and to reassure them that all is going to be ok.
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024
Reiterating what she told her children, Kate told the public that she is ‘well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits’.
The Princess highlighted how having William by her side has been a ‘great source of comfort and reassurance’ and the ‘love, support and kindness’ shown by the public has meant so much to them both.
‘We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,’ the Princess added. ‘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.’
Catherine concluded her message by stating she is ‘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’.
Shortly after the Princess released her statement, Buckingham Palace said that His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’.
Following their time in hospital together, The King has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks’.
Their Majesties ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.
