Kate Middleton confirms cancer diagnosis in Royal statement

Revealing her diagnosis in an emotional video message, the Princess said: “I am well and getting stronger every day.”

She added: “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.

“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.”

The Princess was admitted to the London Clinic in January for abdominal surgery.

Since the surgery, the 42-year-old Princess has been largely absent from the public eye, leading to speculation about her health which the Archbishop of Canterbury described as “village gossip” and “wrong”.

Reports also emerged of an alleged attempt to access the Princess’ medical records while she was at The London Clinic.

Responding to the claims, the clinic vowed that all appropriate steps will be taken when dealing with the alleged data breach.

CEO Al Russell said: “Everyone at the London Clinic is acutely aware of our individual, professional, ethical and legal duties with regards to patient confidentiality.

"We take enormous pride in the outstanding care and discretion we aim to deliver for all our patients that put their trust in us every day.

"We have systems in place to monitor management of patient information and, in the case of any breach, all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken.

"There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues."

King Charles diagnosed with cancer

The news comes after King Charles was diagnosed with cancer in February.

A statement from Buckingham Palace at the time confirmed: “During the King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

Buckingham Palace announced King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer in February (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."

The Palace added that the Princess' father-in-law was "wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to public duty".

The statement continued: “His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

Prime Minister's reaction

Rishi Sunak praised the Princess of Wales’s “tremendous bravery” after she announced she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

The Prime Minister said Kate had been “unfairly treated” and “subjected to intense scrutiny” in recent weeks and called for her to be given the privacy to focus on her recovery and be with her family.

In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, he said: “My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales, the Royal Family and in particular her three children at this difficult time. The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery.

“She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today. 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.

“When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.

“I know I speak for the whole country in wishing her a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back in action when she’s ready.”