Princess Kate planned when the shocking news of her cancer diagnosis would be revealed to the public – and made sure to time it with another important occasion
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Kate Middleton confirms she has cancer and has started chemotherapy
Tonight, Princess Kate announced she was being treated for cancer following months of speculation about her health.
The shocking news comes after weeks of intense speculation over her condition and the revelation by The Mirror this week that three trusted staff members at The London Clinic, where she was originally admitted for abdominal surgery in January, allegedly attempted to access her private medical records after she was discharged.
It has emerged that The Princess of Wales decided to reveal her cancer diagnosis to the world tonight because her children had broken up for school for the Easter holidays, Kensington Palace said.
In an emotional video, the future queen told how she is undergoing a round of chemotherapy that started last month. She was initially admitted to hospital for major abdominal surgery in January, which was confirmed as successful.
For the latest updates on this story, follow The Mirror’s royal live blog.
However, post-operative tests confirmed that cancer had been present and the 42-year-old mother of three duly began treatment. In an emotional and heartfelt televised statement, Kate spoke of “an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family” as she confirmed the news.
Speaking in the video message recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, the princess said: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and 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. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
“This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this has taken time.”
Kate, who is casually dressed in the video and sitting on a bench, added: “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 have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”
The announcement may go some way to ending weeks of intense speculation and conspiracy theories on social media about the whereabouts and health of the future Queen.
It is not known how long Kate will be receiving treatment but it is understood she may be keen to attend events as and when she feels able to, in line with medical advice, although this will not indicate a return to full-time duties.
Rumours online about the whereabouts of Kate intensified after William missed, at very short notice, the memorial service of his godfather the late King Constantine of Greece on February 27.
It is now understood the prince’s decision not to attend was related to his wife’s condition, but it is not known when the princess was told about the positive test for cancer.
William will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since her operation.
Kate ended her video message by saying: “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.
“At this time, I am 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.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said about the princess: “She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today. In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media.
“When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”
His words were echoed by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who criticised the “lurid speculation” aimed at the royal, and said during her treatment she would receive “the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too”.
