Kate Middleton Diagnosed With Cancer
Kate Middleton has been diagnosed with cancer, the Princess of Wales announced in a video released to media outlets on Friday. The palace did not reveal what kind of cancer she has. She said she is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
This story has been updated. Read the original version below.
The raging online speculation regarding Kate Middleton’s health has led Kensington Palace to break from its usual reluctance to speak on personal matters of the royal family, with a special update on the topic reportedly expected shortly Friday afternoon (evening prime time for the UK).
The Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery in January, and it was announced she would step back from royal duties until after Easter while she recuperated. Nonetheless, curiosity turned into concern as she remained out of sight, with a shoddily-photoshopped picture of Middleton with her children only adding fuel to the fire.
Earlier this week, staff at London Clinic, the private clinic where Middleton underwent treatment, were under investigation after it was reported that there was an unauthorized attempt to “access” her personal medical records.
News of the coming update from the palace was reported by Yashar Ali, who posted on his social media accounts that U.S. networks would be airing “a special report on Kate Middleton’s health at 2 PM Eastern time today.”
Ali soon added another update confirming that his sources told him that “a significant update on Kate Middleton’s health will be shared.”
At 6:oo pm London time, CNN’s royal correspondent Max Foster reported the news that “the Princess of Wales has been diagnosed with cancer,” which had been discovered after her surgery in January and confirmed with subsequent tests. The palace was not identifying the specific type of cancer but had released a video message from Middleton.
A transcript of Middleton’s remarks:
I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you personally for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I’ve 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’ve taken great care of me, for which I’m 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’s appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I’m going to be okay.
As I’ve 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’ll understand that as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment.
My work has always bought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to being back when I’m 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.
This is a breaking story and has been updated.
Watch the clip above via CNN.
