On Friday, Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was in the "early stages" of treatment, UNN reports citing CNN.
Details
The announcement, which the princess described as a "big shock," came in a video message. The news comes two months after she temporarily withdrew from public life after Kensington Palace said at the time that she had undergone surgery for a non-cancerous abdominal condition.
"In January, I had major abdominal surgery in London, and it was believed at the time that my condition was not cancerous," said Catherine, 42, who is married to the heir to the British throne, Prince William.
The surgery was successful. However, postoperative tests revealed cancer. Therefore, my medical team advised me to undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy, and now I am in the early stages of this treatment.
Kate continued that her diagnosis was a "big shock" and that "William and I have been doing our best to process and deal with this privately for the sake of our young family.
The princess added: "As you can imagine, it took time. It took me time to recover from major surgery to begin treatment. But, most importantly, it took us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that they could understand and reassure them that I would be fine.
Kate said she told them she was "feeling well and getting stronger every day by focusing on things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit.
She praised Prince William for being by her side as a "great source of comfort and reassurance" and for the support she received from the public.
"We hope that you will understand that we, as a family, need time, space and privacy now while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to returning when I can, but right now I must focus on my full recovery," the princess said.
She ended her heartfelt message by saying that she also remembers "all those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
"For anyone facing this disease, please don't lose faith or hope. You are not alone," Kate concluded.
Let's add
The publication notes that this announcement is a devastating blow to the British monarchy, as King Charles III is currently undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer, as announced by Buckingham Palace in early February.
News of the princess's health came after Kate successfully underwent abdominal surgery on January 16. After the surgery, she stayed in a London hospital for 13 days and, on the advice of her doctor, has since been removed from public duties while recovering.
Kate was spotted out in public for the first time since her surgery, visiting a farm shop with her husband Prince William last weekend.