The Princess of Wales has revealed the reason for her heartbreaking absence

‘It came as a shock’

Kate Middleton reveals all about her absence. Image: Getty

The Princess of Wales has released a video addressing the rumours and speculation surrounding her condition, revealing the heartbreaking truth. 

Acknowledging the confusion and concern of the public over the past few months, the Princess spoke candidly to the camera in a two-minute video posted to the Prince and Princess’ official Instagram account.  

In a sombre yet intimate video the princess addresses her months-long absence from public duty, a news story that has dominated the worldwide media since her last appearance at Christmas time. 

She reveals a cancer diagnosis, a shocking revelation following her major abdominal procedure in January, explaining traces of the disease were found post-surgery. 

“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 says.

“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.

Ahead of her remaining treatment course, which she has indicated involves continuing chemotherapy, Princess Catherine has shared that her priority is her health and the wellbeing of her young family. 

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

“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.”

While she is expected to return to public duty in April, the course of her preventative chemotherapy suggests more time out of the limelight may be needed.

The news comes after months of scandalous speculation about not only her health but the state of her marriage to Prince William. Rumours of an alleged affair are just the latest headlines to circulate in the media, joining conspiracies about the Princess’s mysterious condition. 

An image of Catherine and her three children shared on Mother’s Day by the Royal Instagram account sparked concern for the Princess’ recovery after it was proven to be digitally altered. 

The Princess then admitted to ‘playing around’ with her photography on Photoshop like many amateur photographers, a statement that only further fuelled rumours and online chatter. 

Since Christmas, she has been spotted by paparazzi only a handful of times – once in the car with her mother, driving with her husband, and again walking recently at the pair’s local farmers market.

Each appearance and photograph has been widely critiqued online, with many convinced the Royal Family have employed body doubles or AI technology in an attempt to snuff out rumours. 

Now, as the Princess embarks on the next stage of her recovery, she asks for support, understanding, and above all privacy for her and her young family.

Originally published as The Princess of Wales has revealed the reason for her heartbreaking absence