Read Princess Catherine's full statement on her cancer diagnosis
The Princess of Wales an‐ nounced in a video on Friday that she is under‐ going preventative chemotherapy.
She began the treatment after tests performed in the wake of her abdominal surg‐ ery in January revealed that cancer had been present.
Catherine has been out of the public spotlight since the procedure, prompting specu‐ lation about her where‐ abouts and her condition.
WATCH | Catherine, Princess of Wales, reveals she is undergoing cancer treatment:
Read the full statement below:
"I wanted to take this op‐ portunity to say thank you, personally, for all the won‐ derful 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 condi‐ tion was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. How‐ ever, tests after the opera‐ tion 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 [my hus‐ band Prince] William and I have been doing everything we can to process and man‐ age 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 ma‐ jor surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most im‐ portantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to [my children] George, Char‐ lotte 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 com‐ fort and reassurance, too. As is the love, support and kind‐ ness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.
"We hope that you will un‐ derstand 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 for‐ ward to being back when I am able. But for now I must focus on making a full recov‐ ery.
"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."