‘I AM WELL’
Princess Kate reveals how her cancer was detected after major surgery and says she’s focusing on healing
Initially, doctors thought Kate was in the clear
PRINCESS Kate has revealed how her cancer was detected as she continues treatment.
In an unprecedented video on Friday evening, Kate revealed her medical news, saying the diagnosis had come as a "huge shock".
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Kate has remained absent from any official duties following major abdominal surgery in January and is not expected to return until after Easter.
Her diagnosis is the second cancer shock to hit the royal family in as many months after King Charles revealed he was also undergoing treatment.
She has chosen not to reveal what type of cancer she has as she begins to undergo "preventative therapy".
The cancer diagnosis was the reason Prince William pulled out of a church service at the last minute, it is understood
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Kate revealed she was diagnosed with cancer after undergoing abdominal surgery in January at the London Clinic.
The Princess said she initially had no signs of cancer but post-op tests showed the disease had been "present".
She said in the emotional video clip: "In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought my condition was non cancerous.
"The surgery was succesful.
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"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.
Kate Middleton has been terribly bullied but that wasn't why she revealed she has cancer
"This of course came as a huge shock."
Sitting on a bench at Windsor for the poignant clip, she said it had taken time to explain her diagnosis to their children: George, Charlotte, and Louis.
More from Kate's emotional message...
- Kate reveals she's being treated for cancer
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wish Kate ‘health and healing’
- Kate's family share childhood photo and break silence
- King Charles says he’s ‘so proud’ of his daughter-in-law
- The Princess won’t return to royal duties until she’s cleared
- 'William is by my side' says Kate in shock cancer statement
- Kate's diagnosis 'was reason Will pulled out of service'
- Experts slam trolls who caused her more pain at a difficult time
She said she is now trying to make herself healthy again for her family.
"It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
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"As I have said to them; I am well and i’m getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind body and spirit.
The royal also thanked her husband Prince William for his support.
The diagnosis was the reason that William pulled out of a thanksgiving service at Windsor last month for a "personal matter", it is understood.
Kate also said she has broken the news to George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and five-year-old Louis - telling them she was going to be "OK";.
It is understood the family have taken several weeks to digest the cancer diagnosis.
In that time, William has been focused on supporting his wife and family.
The palace are unable to say when Kate's chemotherapy treatment will end.
Kate may be keen to return to work when she feels able in line with medical advice.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed Kate started a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February and is now on a "recovery pathway".
They were unable to say when chemotherapy treatment will end and said Kate had spoke to the King.
The Palace also confirmed Prince William will continue to "balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year".
The spokesperson added: “The Princess wanted to share this information when she and The Prince felt it was right for them as a family.
“Their Royal Highnesses understand the interest this update will generate and are grateful for the public support they have received throughout this period.
"Kensington Palace will provide information, when the time is right, and The Princess is able to restart work and her duties. In the meantime, we would ask that the family’s privacy is respected.
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“The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.”
It is the second cancer shock to hit the royal family after King Charles was also diagnosed months ago.
Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEBRUARY 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate's health
MARCH 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
MARCH 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day - then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
MARCH 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
MARCH 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
MARCH 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
MARCH 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
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