Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, recently announced on Friday that she has cancer, found two months after she underwent abdominal surgery this year.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful, however tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” she announced in a video message released to social media Friday afternoon.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I’m now in the early stages of that treatment.”
“As you can imagine this has taken time, it has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment,” she explained. “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’ve 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.”
In the video, she also went on to wish those who have also been affected by cancer to not lose faith.
“This announcement is a stark and shocking reminder that cancer is no respecter of age or social status,” said oncologist and cancer awareness campaigner Pat Price. “A cancer diagnosis is always deeply concerning, but the fact that the princess is so young and very much in the prime of her life makes this news all the more upsetting and unsettling.”
It is yet to be disclosed what kind of cancer was identified, only that it was found in post-operative tests from her abdominal surgery.
Following the announcement, many took to social media to share their support, such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, stating “My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, her children, and the entire Royal Family following the news of her cancer so courageously shared. On behalf of Canadians, I’m sending my support as she undergoes treatment. We’re all wishing her a swift recovery.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed support as well in a briefing with reporters following the news, “Our thoughts are with the Duchess of Cambridge and her family,” she said. “Certainly, we wish her a full recovery.”
Written by Kevin Han
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