The Princess of Wales today said she will “get through it” by bravely speaking out about her cancer diagnosis.
Kate Middleton, 42, was admitted to a London hospital in January for planned surgery and returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery.
However, doctors discovered an unspecified form of cancer during tests carried out after his operation.
In a video message today, Kate revealed the diagnosis “came as a huge shock” but she is now in the “early stages” of preventative chemotherapy treatment.
Here, MailOnline details his medical history.
Kate Middleton, 42, was admitted to a London hospital in January for planned surgery and returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery. However, doctors discovered an unspecified form of cancer during tests carried out after his operation. In a video message today, Kate revealed the diagnosis “came as a huge shock” but she is now in the “early stages” of preventative chemotherapy treatment.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen together last week as William attended the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey.
The Princess of Wales with her children in her Mother’s Day portrait, which now takes on added significance given her diagnosis.
Three inch scar on head
Kate has a three-inch scar on the left side of her head from her childhood.
It was first spotted in 2011, when the princess led her first solo royal engagement at a private black-tie dinner at Clarence House.
It was confirmed to be the result of surgery carried out when she was a young child.
An official statement explained that “the scar was linked to an operation carried out on the child”, but clarified that the details of the operation were a private matter.
Royal sources confirmed it was a “very serious operation” but declined to comment further.
However, surgeons at the time said the scar was unlikely to be the result of a tumor and may have been caused by the removal of a birthmark.
Kate’s scar was first spotted when she attended a dinner at Clarence House in 2011.
A press release explained that the scar, normally hidden, came from an operation carried out during childhood.
Morning sickness
The princess was hospitalized for three days with severe morning sickness in 2012, while she was pregnant with Prince George.
She was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital, a private hospital in Marylebone used by the royal family for more than a century.
Kate suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) again while pregnant with Princess Charlotte in 2014 and Prince Louis in 2018.
This condition caused the princess to announce both of her pregnancies early, before reaching the crucial 12-week milestone.
However, while carrying Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, she was treated at Kensington Palace rather than hospital.
HG can lead to severe dehydration and puts mother and baby at risk of being deprived of essential nutrients because they are unable to retain food and drink.
Sufferers can vomit up to 30 times a day, with exhausting and dangerous consequences.
Kate revealed in 2020 that she uses meditation and deep breathing to help control her symptoms.
Abdominal surgery
The princess had planned a major abdominal operation in January and spent two weeks in hospital.
Kate was admitted to the London Clinic in Marylebone and returned home to Windsor to continue his recovery with the support of his family.
At the time, his condition was thought not to be cancerous. but no further details of the operation were given.
She was advised to recuperate for two to three months and she hasn’t been seen in public since Christmas.
His absence from the public eye has fueled a social media storm and a number of unfounded conspiracy theories.
It was alleged that at least one member of staff at the London Clinic attempted to access his medical records.
Three workers have been suspended while the hospital investigates the claims.
Kensington Palace announced in January that the Princess of Wales had undergone abdominal surgery
Police officers stand outside the London Clinic today, where Kate is staying after the operation.
In a video message released today, Kate said her medical team advised her to undergo preventative chemotherapy. “This has of course been a huge shock, and William and I have done everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she added.
The Princess of Wales said her family (pictured together on December 25) “need time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment”.
Cancer diagnosis
The princess today revealed she is in the “early stages” of treatment for an unspecified form of cancer.
No tests prior to his abdominal surgery had confirmed the presence of cancer.
However, doctors discovered the disease to the tests carried out after his operation.
In a video message released today, Kate said her medical team advised her to undergo preventative chemotherapy.
“This has of course been a huge shock, and William and I have done everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she added.
“I am doing well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal: in my mind, body and spirit,” she said.
She also paid tribute to others whose lives have been affected by cancer.
“For anyone facing this disease, in any form, do not lose faith or hope. You’re not alone.’
Kate’s battle with cancer in her own words: The Princess of Wales’ moving video statement in full
I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank you for all the wonderful messages of support and understanding while I recover from surgery.
These last few months have been incredibly difficult for our whole family, but I have had a fantastic medical team who took great care of me, for which I am very grateful.
In January I had major abdominal surgery in London and at the time it was thought my condition was not cancerous. The operation is a success. However, tests carried out after the operation revealed the presence of cancer. My medical team therefore advised me to undergo preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of this treatment.
Of course, this was a huge shock, and William and I did everything we could to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.
As you can imagine, this took a while. It took me a while to recover from major surgery to begin my treatment. But above all, it took us time to explain everything
George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that suits them, and to reassure them that everything will be okay.
As I told them: I am doing well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit.
Having William by my side is also a great source of comfort and reassurance. Just like the love, support and kindness so many of you have shown. It means so much to both of us.
We hope you understand that as a family we now need 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 can, but for now I need to focus on making a full recovery.
At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For anyone facing this illness in any form, do not lose faith or hope. You’re not alone.