CATHERINE, Princess of Wales has revealed she has been battling cancer and is in the early stages of receiving chemotherapy treatment.
The Princess revealed in a video her condition was discovered following her major abdominal surgery, which took place in London in January.
Her recorded statement saw the 42-year-old thank those who had sent in messages of support and understanding while she had been recovering from surgery.
She also reassured the public she was well and getting stronger every day.
The Princess said for now she must focus on making a full recovery but added she was looking forward to being back at work when able.
And she finished her message urging those suffering from cancer to ‘not lose faith or hope.’
The full statement is below:
“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you personally for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding while I have been recovering from surgery.
“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family but I have 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 preventive chemotherapy and I’m 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’ve said to them, I am well.
“I’m getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body and spirit.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance to me, 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’ll 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 look forward to being back when I am able.
“But for now, I must focus on making a full recovery.
“At this time, I’m 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.”
