Live updates as Kate Middleton reveals she has cancer: ‘A huge shock’

Kate Middleton has released a statement announcing she has been undergoing treatment for cancer, follow our live coverage.

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.

Now, her brother James Middleton has posted a heartwarming message.

“Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together,” Mr Middleton posted to Instagram alongside a picture of him and the Princess at a young age.

“As a family, we will climb this one with you too,” he then posted with a heart emoji and a mountain emoji.

Kate Middleton's brother James shared a rare picture of the Princess at a young age following her cancer announcement. Picture: Instagram /jmidy

Kate spoke candidly in the video statement this morning.

“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.”

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.”

Princess Kate says she is undergoing chemotherapy.

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.”

She made her last official appearance on Christmas Day. Picture: Stephen Pond/Getty Images

Kate has cancer. Picture: Daniel Leal /AFP

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.

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.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement, saying: “My thoughts, and those of Australians, are with the Princess of Wales and her family following the news of her cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales has shown extraordinary courage with her public statement today, in which she expresses her concern for others.

“We are sending support and strength in this difficult time as she undergoes treatment, and we wish her well for a speedy recovery.”