Cancer, the second leading cause of death globally, has struck the British Royal family. Kate Middleton has broken her silence about her health condition, leaving people across the world shocked and silent. The Princess of Wales, through a social media video, has revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer after her abdominal surgery earlier this year. The mother of three has been out of the spotlight as she has been undergoing preventive chemotherapy for treatment.

She is the second royal after King Charles III to have been struck by cancer. The type of cancer that 42-year-old Kate Middleton has been diagnosed with has been kept under wraps.

Kate Middleton breaks the silence on her health condition

The revelation was made in a video posted on behalf of the Prince and Princess of Wales, from the official social media account of Kensington Palace. Kate Middleton thanks everyone for sending in “wonderful messages of support” and for understanding her absence due to her recovery period. She admits that it has been an “incredibly tough couple of months” for the entire family. However, she also acknowledged that a fantastic medical team has been taking great care of her.

“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 preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” Kate Middleton reveals.

The cancer diagnosis, she says, came as a “huge shock” to them – as it did for millions of people who follow the British royal family closely.

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“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 (our children) George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I’m going to be okay,” adds Kate, who married Prince William in 2011.

The doting mother says she has told her children: “I am well, and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body and spirits.”

Watch the video here!

Kate Middleton: Thank you for love and support

Having her husband by her side has been a source of comfort and reassurance, as is the love, support and kindness she has received from all quarters.

In her sensitively worded revelation, Kate Middleton also pays a tribute of sorts to and motivational message for other cancer warriors.

“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,” she said.

This video message from the royal family member comes after Kate Middleton was mired in speculations and conspiracy theories around her absence. She has now duly requested for privacy.

“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 I look forward to being back when I am able. But for now, I must focus on making a full recovery,” she concluded.

The King, who is also said to be undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer, has reportedly said that he is “proud of Catherine for her courage” in speaking about her treatment for cancer.

Common cancers in women

Cancer is a group of diseases in which some of the body’s cells grow rapidly and affect normal body tissue across the body. As per the World Health Organisation, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Among women, cancer of the breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid are the most common, while lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men.