End of Conspiracy Theories and Internet Gossip: Shocking Statement by Kate Middleton About her Battle with Cancer
Princess Kate Middleton of Wales has put an end to conspiracy theories and online gossip about her and publicly announced that she is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. She said this in a video message broadcast on Friday night.
Kate Middleton said that she was diagnosed with cancer after abdominal surgery in January and is in the initial stages of chemotherapy.
In a "personal message" filmed by the BBC in the gardens of Windsor Castle, she spoke of her "shock" when doctors discovered the cancer after undergoing major abdominal surgery in January.
Rumours have been swirling about her ever since, and Friday's news prompted Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer to condemn the "appalling" and "unfair" speculation of recent weeks.
The palace also sincerely hopes that the move to greater openness about her health will be the point at which speculation about her will cease.
The conspiracy theories about her "disappearance" have been fuelled by an information vacuum. The surge of rumours has been a difficult ordeal for Catherine and Prince William and the disclosure of the cancer diagnosis rewrites what has happened over the past few weeks.
Kate Middleton said she and her husband, Prince William, needed time to explain the situation to their three children: George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and Louis, five.
"Of course, it came as a huge shock and William and I did our best to process and deal with it privately for the sake of our young family," she said.
As King Charles is also currently undergoing treatment for cancer, this means that the ranks of senior members of the royal family are now very thin.
Catherine and Prince William are not expected to be with the royal family on Easter Sunday, and the Princess is not expected to return to her official duties.
"We hope that you will understand that we, as a family, need time, space and privacy now while I complete my treatment," said the Princess of Wales.
Here is the statement in full:
"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.
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.
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.
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.
As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.
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.
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.”