- Written by Sean Coughlan
- Royal correspondent
Watch: The full video message from the Princess of Wales
The Princess of Wales says she is in the early stages of treatment after being diagnosed with cancer.
In a video statement, Catherine said it was a “huge shock” after a “very difficult couple of months”.
But she sent a positive message, saying: “I am fine and getting stronger every day.”
Details of her cancer have not been revealed, but Kensington Palace says it is confident the princess will make a full recovery.
A video statement from Katherine explains that when she had abdominal surgery in January, no cancer was known to be present.
The princess said, “But the tests conducted after the operation showed the presence of cancer. Therefore, my medical team advised me of the necessity of undergoing a course of preventive chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of this treatment.”
He started chemotherapy in late February. The palace says it will not share any other private medical information, including the type of cancer.
The 42-year-old princess said she was thinking of all those affected by cancer, and added: “To everyone facing this disease, in any way, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
Catherine said that recovering from the surgery she underwent last January, due to an undisclosed condition, took some time, and the priority now is to reassure her family.
“William and I have done everything we can to address and manage this privately for our little family.”
The princess added: “We took some time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that was appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I would be fine.”
She said the family now needs “some time, space and privacy.”
The King and Queen were informed of the news of the princess's health ahead of Friday's announcement – and King Charles himself was also undergoing treatment for cancer.
King Charles and Catherine were briefly treated at the private London Clinic Hospital at the same time – Catherine underwent abdominal surgery there and the King was admitted for a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the king was “very proud of Catherine for having the courage to speak out as she did.”
After their time together in hospital, he “remained in close contact with his beloved daughter-in-law over the past weeks.”
Prince Harry and Meghan sent a message saying: “We wish health and recovery to Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so in privacy and peace.”
Catherine and Prince William are now not expected to appear with the royal family at Easter, and there will be no early return to official duties for the Princess.
Kensington Palace also said that Prince William's sudden absence from a memorial service on February 27 was due to the discovery of Catherine's cancer diagnosis.
Image source, BBC Studios
The Princess of Wales appeared in a video message as she announced she was undergoing cancer treatment
The couple has faced intense public speculation and social media frenzy over her health since her surgery in January. She has not attended any official events since Christmas.
In her video statement, she spoke of the support her family gives her: “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance as well.
“As is the love, support and kindness shown by so many of you. It means a lot to us.”
Kensington Palace said the video of the princess was filmed on Wednesday by BBC Studios, the production arm of the BBC.
BBC News said in a statement: “Along with other media outlets, Kensington Palace informed BBC News of this announcement this afternoon.”
There have been calls for privacy from the palace after weeks of speculation and conspiracy theories about the royal couple.
This intensified after photo agencies withdrew a photo of the princess on the occasion of Mother's Day, on March 10, due to concerns about digital editing, for which the princess later apologised.
There have also been theories on social media about video footage showing Prince William and Catherine shopping in Windsor earlier this week.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday that Catherine had shown “tremendous courage” in her statement, wishing her a “speedy recovery”.
He said: “In recent weeks, I have come under intense scrutiny and been treated unfairly by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media.
“When it comes to health issues, like everyone else, she should have privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”
Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with the royal family, adding that he was “encouraged” by Catherine's “optimistic tone and her message of faith and hope.”
“Any cancer diagnosis is shocking. But I can only imagine the added stress of receiving this news amidst the wild speculation we have seen in recent weeks,” he said.
William and Catherine “have a right to privacy, and like any parent, they will wait to choose the right moment to tell their children.”
Professor Pat Price, an oncologist and founder of the Catch Up with Cancer campaign, praised the princess for speaking “with such candor and candor”.
“As was the case with King’s diagnosis, her doing so will undoubtedly give many people a vital incentive to get themselves checked and give others with cancer more confidence to talk about their own experience.
“This ad is a stark and shocking reminder that cancer has no respect for age or social status.”
Additional reporting by Gemma Crowe