As Kate Middleton shares her shock cancer diagnosis, the reason why Prince William pulled out of a memorial service for the late former King Constantine of Greece has finally been revealed
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Kate Middleton confirms she has cancer and has started chemotherapy
Kate Middleton has opened up about her cancer diagnosis, sharing that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy.
As the princess expresses gratitude towards the ‘fantastic’ staff who have cared for her, Prince William’s reason for leaving a memorial service in February has finally been revealed.
William had been due to give a reading at the memorial service for his godfather, the former King Constantine of Greece, who passed away last year.
However, the prince pulled out suddenly, with King Constantine’s eldest son, Crown Prince Pavlos, giving the reading instead.
At the time, Kensington Palace said William’s absence from the service was due to a ‘personal matter’. It’s now understood he bowed out of the reading because of wife Kate’s illness.
The princess underwent a successful abdominal procedure in January, and at the time it was believed her condition was non-cancerous. Tests conducted after the operation, however, determined that cancer was present.
The Princess is in good spirits and focused on her recovery. She has now expressed her gratitude to the medical professionals who are taking ‘great care’ of her.
Mum-of-three Kate went on to express how she had attempted to deal with her condition privately for the sake of her young children, describing her ordeal as ‘an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family’.
She also reached out to others living with cancer, urging them to remember ‘you are not alone’.
Kate has today addressed the nation with the following statement: “I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.
“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.
“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. 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.”
She continued: “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.
“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment. 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.”
This announcement follows weeks of widespread speculation surrounding Kate’s condition, with wild conspiracy rumours circulating online.
After footage emerged of Kate and William visiting a farm shop, some conspiracy theorists even argued the Royal family was using body doubles and paid actors to conceal Kate’s true whereabouts.
