Kate Middleton has revealed that she gently informed her three children of her cancer diagnosis in an “appropriate way” and reassured them that she is “going to be OK”.
In a video message, the Princess of Wales said she needed time to come to terms with her condition and share the news with her children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, before telling the world.
“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,” she said in the moving speech released on Friday.
“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.”
The video was filmed at Windsor on Wednesday, according to Kensington Palace.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” the princess said in the clip.
“The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. “
The recorded message was reportedly released on the day William and Kate’s three children began their Easter school holidays to take advantage of the break to shield them from coverage of their mother’s health scare.
The 42-year-old said she was in the early stages “preventative chemotherapy” and that it had “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,” she continued.
“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.”
The princess did not publicly reveal what type or stage of cancer she has been diagnosed with.
