Princess of Wales reveals cancer diagnosis

The Princess of Wales is having preventative chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer.

She confirmed the news in a video statement released this evening, saying she and Prince William have taken time to explain everything to their young family.

She has been absent from public duties since the Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery back in January and in a statement this evening she's revealed that while that surgery was succesful, subsequent test found cancer was present.

The future Queen began a course of “preventative chemotherapy” late in February but is said to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as “well and getting stronger every day”.

It is understood the video was released on the day William and Kate’s three children began their Easter school holidays to take advantage of the break to shield them from coverage of their mother’s health.

Princess of Wales full statement about cancer treatment

Here is the full transcript of the video from Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, recorded on Wednesday in Windsor:

"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."

Statement from Buckingham Palace

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said:

"His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’.

"Following their time in hospital together, His Majesty has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.’

"Both Their Majesties ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time."

The world wishes the Princess well

Many people have taken to social media to wish her highness well, including political and world leaders.

Rishi Sunak praised the Princess of Wales’s “tremendous bravery” after she announced she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

The Prime Minister said Kate had been “unfairly treated” and “subjected to intense scrutiny” in recent weeks and called for her to be given the privacy to focus on her recovery and be with her family.

Sir Keir Starmer said the Princess of Wales has “the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too” during this “distressing time”.

The Labour leader criticised “lurid speculation” in relation to Kate as he stressed that she was entitled to privacy as she continues her treatment.

New Wales First Minister Vaughan Gething and Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf both said they were deeply saddened to hear the news:

Both First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland Emma Little-Pengelly tweeted to give their support:

What next for the Princess?

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.

Prince and Princess of Wales in pictures

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.