Princess Of Wales Undergoing Cancer Treatment

The Princess of Wales says she is in the early stages of treatment after a cancer diagnosis. In a video statement, Catherine says it was a "huge shock" after an "incredibly tough couple of months". But she sent a positive message, saying: "I am well and getting stronger every day." Details of the cancer have not been disclosed, but Kensington Palace says it is confident the princess will make a full recovery. The video statement from Catherine explains that when she had abdominal surgery in January, it was not known that there was any cancer.

"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," said the princess.

The chemotherapy treatment began in late February. The palace says it will not be sharing any further private medical information, including the type of cancer. The princess, 42, said she was thinking of all those who have been affected by cancer, adding: "For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone."

Catherine said recovery from her surgery in January, for a condition which has not been revealed, had taken time and the priority was now reassuring her family. "William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family."

The princess added: "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." The King and Queen had been informed of the news about the princess's health prior to Friday's announcement - and King Charles himself has also been undergoing treatment for cancer.

King Charles and Catherine were briefly treated at the London Clinic private hospital at the same time - Catherine had her abdominal surgery there and the King was admitted for a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King was "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did".

Prince Harry and Meghan sent a message saying: "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace." Catherine and Prince William are now not expected to appear with the Royal Family on Easter Sunday, and there won't be any early return to official duties for the princess.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday Catherine had shown "tremendous bravery" with her statement, wishing her a "speedy recovery". He said: "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.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with the Royal Family, adding he was "heartened" by Catherine's "optimistic tone and her message of faith and hope". He said: "Any cancer diagnosis is shocking. But I can only imagine the added stress of receiving that news amid the lurid speculation we've seen in recent weeks."

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said on X, formerly Twitter, that he was joining "millions around the world in praying" for Catherine's "full recovery".

Professor Pat Price, an oncologist and founder of the Catch Up With Cancer campaign, praised the princess for speaking out "so openly and frankly". "As was the case with the King's diagnosis, her doing so will no doubt give many more people that vital prompt to get themselves checked and give others affected by cancer more confidence to speak about their own experience.

"This announcement is a stark and shocking reminder that cancer is no respecter of age or social status."_BBC