Reason behind Kate Middleton’s cancer bombshell timing

After weeks of frenzied speculation about her welfare, the Princess of Wales finally shared what’s been going on. Here’s why she chose today.

Kate Middleton delayed revealing her cancer diagnosis publicly in order to protect her and Prince William’s three children, according to reports.

The Princess of Wales, 42, released a personal video message on Friday evening, UK time, sharing her diagnosis and details about her treatment.

Kate has revealed she has cancer.

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

Kate wanted to protect her children from the news. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The announcement coincided with the end of school term for the three royal children – which, according to the UK’s ITV, was a significant factor in its timing.

It’s understood William and Kate were determined to keep it out of the public domain until they were able to share the news with George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and Louis, 5.

The BBC reports that the video was filmed two days earlier.

It was most likely held until Friday evening in order to allow time for the family of five to head off on their Easter family holiday, which usually takes place at Anmer Hall, within the royal’s Sandringham Estate.

Kate began “preventive chemotherapy” treatment for the disease at the end of February, weeks after leaving The London Clinic, where she had undergone major abdominal surgery for what was believed to be a non-cancerous condition.

In her video, she explained that the initial surgery was deemed a success, but the cancer was later discovered during post-operative tests.

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.”

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 spokesman 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.