After months of global concern speculating about the welfare of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales has issued a message to the public revealing a cancer diagnosis.
In a video announcing the news, the royal explained that the “planned abdominal surgery” she underwent in January—which Buckingham Palace explained would keep her from public engagements until after Easter—was more serious than initially thought.
“At the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.” she began. “The surgery was successful, however, tests after the surgery found that cancer had been present.”
“My medical team advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I’m now in the early stages of that treatment,” she continued. “This, of course, came as a huge shock.”
“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team, who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful
Expressing her need for time, Middleton, 42, then expanded on how she and her husband, Prince William, have navigated this news with their three kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
“William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she said in the video. “As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.”
“As I’ve said to [my kids], I am well,” she emphasised. “Having William by my side is a great source of reassurance, too, as is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you.”
In a plea to end speculation, the Princess of Wales expressed her desire for privacy during this time.
“We hope that you’ll understand that as a family, we now need time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” she said. “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to being back, but for now, I must focus on making a full recovery.”
Though Middleton didn’t share details of the kind of cancer she’s been diagnosed with, she assured that she’s in good spirits and expressed her empathy for all of those who have been affected by cancer.
Last month, the princess’ father-in-law, King Charles III, also revealed he was undergoing treatment for cancer. The recently-coronated monarch is reportedly “doing well” in his recovery, though he and Middleton will both be stepping away from public duties to recuperate.
This story originally appeared on GRAZIA International.