Princess Catherine, also known as Kate, the wife of Prince William and second in line to the British throne, announced on Friday that she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.
She made this revelation in a pre-recorded video message, following weeks of speculation about her health and absence from public appearances since her unspecified abdominal surgery in January.
Kate asked for privacy during her treatment and assured that she is getting stronger every day.
Her announcement comes after King Charles III's own cancer diagnosis last month.
Kate had not been seen publicly since Christmas until recent footage emerged of her with her husband.
Prince Charles expressed pride in Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, for her bravery in speaking about her health condition.
The palace had previously announced that Kate underwent successful surgery for a non-cancerous condition, and she would be recovering until April.
Kate revealed that the diagnosis was a shock, and she and
Prince William have been dealing with it privately for their family.
She also mentioned that she had undergone major surgery and was in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Professor Andrew Beggs explained that preventative chemotherapy is like mopping a floor with bleach to kill any remaining cells.
Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, has announced that she has been diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing treatment for the past few months.
She has shared the news with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, and has reassured them that she will be okay.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer have expressed their support and sympathy for Kate, who has faced intense media scrutiny during this time.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also expressed sadness over the news.
Kate has been diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing treatment for several months.
She has shared the news with her children and has received support from political leaders in the UK and the US.
Charles, 75, is undergoing cancer treatment and has continued to carry out public duties, despite speculation.
Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, has been absent from charity events and promoting causes, leading to weeks of gossip and rumors.
An attempt to quell the speculation with a manipulated Mother's Day photo backfired, and Kate issued an apology.
The release of footage of Kate and William shopping did not put an end to the rumors, with some believing it did not even show Kate.
A British privacy watchdog is investigating reports that staff at a London hospital tried to access the medical records of the Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) during her stay for abdominal surgery.
Kate, who married
Prince William in 2011, has significantly increased the popularity and appeal of the British monarchy.
She grew up in a well-to-do neighborhood in Berkshire and attended Marlborough College and the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
Kate met William around 2001 and their relationship became public in 2004 after they were photographed on a skiing holiday in Switzerland.
Kate, a graduate from 2005, earned a degree in art history while beginning a romantic relationship with a prince.