Princess of Wales announces she is undergoing cancer treatment

In an announcement made at 6pm this evening, Kate said that she is undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy.

The future Queen consort had undergone abdominal surgery in January, after which cancer was detected.

She said that it has taken time for her recovery, and to reassure her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Kate said having William by her side “is a great source of comfort and reassurance”.

The Princess said the family now need some time, space and privacy while she completes her treatment.

Buckingham Palace said His Majesty King Charles is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did”.

The palace said that following their time in hospital together, the King has “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks”, adding that both Their Majesties “will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time”.

Here is the statement by the Princess of Wales in full:

“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.

“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.”