Kate, Princess of Wales, reveals cancer diagnosis

Kate, Princess of Wales, says she’s been diagnosed with cancer, asking the public for “time, space, and privacy” amid a media frenzy surrounding her absence from public appearances.

“It’s been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family,” Kate, sitting on a bench outdoors, said in a video posted on social media on Friday.

The 42-year-old British royal family member underwent abdominal surgery in January.

“At the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful, however, tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” she said. The mother of three said she is in the “early stages” of chemotherapy.

Describing the news came as a “huge shock,” Kate said she and her husband, Prince William, “have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

The update comes after weeks of intense speculation — and wild conspiracy theories on social media — involving Kate’s health, partly fueled by a grainy video that emerged this week appearing to show her exiting a farm shop near her home.  

“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's appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I'm going to be okay,” Kate said.

Saying she’s “getting stronger everyday,” the princess asked for privacy during her recovery.

“At this time, I'm also 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,” she said.

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