Kate, the Princess of Wales in Britain, disclosed on Friday that she is undergoing preventive chemotherapy following tests conducted subsequent to significant abdominal surgery in January, which uncovered the presence of cancer.
At 42 years old, Kate, who is married to Prince William, the heir to the throne, spent a fortnight in the hospital in January for what was initially described by her office as a successful, planned surgery for an unspecified non-cancerous condition.
However, Kate said in a video message that subsequent tests had revealed cancer had been found. She said she was well and getting stronger.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” said Kate.
She was dressed in jeans and a jumper and looked pale and tired in the video, which was filmed on Wednesday.
Following her operation, the palace had said the princess would not return to official duties until after Easter, which falls at the end of this month. But her absence from public life has provoked intense speculation and wild rumors on social media.
King Charles, 75, underwent a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate at the same hospital as Kate in January. Buckingham Palace then revealed in February that he was to have treatment for cancer, meaning he has had to postpone his public royal duties.
“His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.’” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said, saying Charles had been in close contact with Kate since they were at the private London Clinic together in January.
“Both their Majesties ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.”
Message of support from the World
Messages of support also poured in from British political leaders, and from the office of U.S. President Joe Biden, for the princess, who is popularly known by her maiden name Kate Middleton.
Kate’s office, Kensington Palace, said it would give no further details about the type of cancer that had been found, saying the princess had a right to medical privacy. It said she was on a recovery pathway and the preventive chemotherapy had begun in February.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Kate had the love and support of the whole country.
“She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today,” he said in a statement. “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,” he added.
Kate was the first commoner to marry a prince in close proximity to the throne in more than 350 years when she wed William in 2011 and has since become one of the most popular royals.
“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,” Kate said.
However, Kate said in a video message that subsequent tests had revealed cancer had been found. She said she was well and getting stronger.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” said Kate.
She was dressed in jeans and a jumper and looked pale and tired in the video, which was filmed on Wednesday.
“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,” she added.A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024
Following her operation, the palace had said the princess would not return to official duties until after Easter, which falls at the end of this month. But her absence from public life has provoked intense speculation and wild rumors on social media.
King Charles, 75, underwent a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate at the same hospital as Kate in January. Buckingham Palace then revealed in February that he was to have treatment for cancer, meaning he has had to postpone his public royal duties.
“His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.’” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said, saying Charles had been in close contact with Kate since they were at the private London Clinic together in January.
“Both their Majesties ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.”
Message of support from the World
Messages of support also poured in from British political leaders, and from the office of U.S. President Joe Biden, for the princess, who is popularly known by her maiden name Kate Middleton.
Kate’s office, Kensington Palace, said it would give no further details about the type of cancer that had been found, saying the princess had a right to medical privacy. It said she was on a recovery pathway and the preventive chemotherapy had begun in February.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Kate had the love and support of the whole country.
“She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today,” he said in a statement. “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,” he added.
Medical experts said it was difficult to determine how long Kate would need the treatment without more information, including what type of cancer was found.The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country. pic.twitter.com/IFX51Wm5Q3
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) March 22, 2024
Kate was the first commoner to marry a prince in close proximity to the throne in more than 350 years when she wed William in 2011 and has since become one of the most popular royals.
“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,” Kate said.
Source: Reuters
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