'A huge shock': Kate Middleton has shared she is battling cancer in emotional new video

The Princess of Wales has revealed she has already started treatment in the clip - opting for her own personal message instead of a statement issued by the Palace. 

The Princess of Wales has confirmed she has cancer. Image: Supplied

The Princess of Wales has revealed she is suffering from cancer in a bombshell announcement.

Kate, 42, released a video message to share the devastating news at 6pm, UK time, on Friday.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery,” she began in the clip, which the BBC reports was recorded on Wednesday.

“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.”

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The Princess of Wales has confirmed she has cancer. Image: Supplied

Abdominal surgery confirmed the cancer

Kate added that the cancer was discovered after her abdominal surgery in January.

“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.”

She admitted it had come as a “huge shock”.

“William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” Kate explained.

“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 is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.”

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Fighting spirit for the sake of her children

Despite the shock diagnosis, Kate insisted that she was getting “stronger every day”.

“I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits,” she said.

“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 will 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.”

Kate finished up with a personal message of support to others impacted by the disease.

“At this time, I am 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.”

The special announcement came after weeks of speculation about Kate’s health, and off the back of the news earlier this year that King Charles is also undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson told the BBC that the King is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did” and has “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks” since they were both in hospital.

Kate’s brother, James Middleton, also made a rare comment about his sister on social media, sharing his support for her as the news broke.

“Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one too,” he wrote on Instagram, alongside a sweet picture of the siblings when they were young.

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All the rumours are untrue

Conspiracy theories have swirled online about the popular royal’s absence from public life.

As the speculation as to her whereabouts hit a deafening peak in recent days, Kate was spotted at her local farm shop in Windsor alongside husband Prince William.

A video of the outing, shot by an onlooker, was later shared with the media.

The couple is said to be “shaken” by the frenzied speculation, which includes unsubstantiated claims about their marriage.

Kate has been recovering at her home in Adelaide Cottage, in the grounds of Windsor Castle, with William and their three kids following her two-week hospital stay.

The London Clinic, who treated Kate earlier this year, is reportedly being investigated over a possible delay in reporting an alleged security breach.

It’s understood three people are being examined following disturbing allegations that an attempt was made to access the private medical records of the Princess of Wales at exclusive Marylebone hospital, The London Clinic.

Originally published as 'A huge shock': Kate Middleton has shared she is battling cancer in emotional new video