Following weeks of speculation, the Princess of Wales has confirmed that she has cancer and is currently undergoing preventive chemotherapy.

In her video update released on Friday afternoon, Kate addressed her health situation. Recorded on Wednesday, the message was broadcast two days later, following weeks of speculation regarding her whereabouts and health since her hospitalization in January.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was believed that my condition was non-cancerous,” Kate revealed. “The surgery was successful. However, post-operative tests revealed the presence of cancer. As a result, my medical team advised me to undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy, and I am currently in the early stages of that treatment.”

She expressed that her diagnosis came as a “huge shock” and emphasized the time it took for her to recover from the major surgery and commence treatment. Kate also highlighted the importance of explaining the situation to her children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, in a manner suitable for their understanding, reassuring them of her well-being.

Prince George is 10 years old, Princess Charlotte is 8, and Prince Louis is 5.

Kate did not disclose the specific type of cancer she has been diagnosed with and requested space and privacy.

“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment,” she stated.

“My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to returning when I am able. But for now, I must focus on making a full recovery.”

The cancer diagnosis marks the latest in a series of health challenges for the royal family.

King Charles received a cancer diagnosis in February, less than 18 months after succeeding his mother, Queen Elizabeth, following her passing in September 2022. Subsequently, he has scaled back his public engagements. Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the stage of his cancer diagnosis.

On January 21, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, said she had malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

Kate underwent abdominal surgery on January 16. The specifics of the surgery were not disclosed at the time, but it was described as planned and successful. Kensington Palace announced her recovery from the operation the following day. Officials stated that her condition was non-cancerous. Kate was discharged from the London Clinic, a private hospital near Regent’s Park in London, on January 29. She then returned to Windsor, west of London, to continue her recovery.

After leaving the hospital on January 29, despite the palace providing details of the princess’s recovery, there was significant speculation regarding Kate’s health and whereabouts. Kate made her first public appearance on March 4 when she was seen in Windsor, seated in the front passenger seat of a car driven by her mother, Carole Middleton.

Regarding the Mother’s Day picture on March 10, the speculation intensified. Kate and William published an official photograph of her with her three children. However, instead of quelling speculation, it further fueled it when news agencies retracted the photo due to apparent manipulation. The following day, Kate admitted to editing the photograph and issued an apology.

Later, Kate was photographed alongside her husband, Prince William, in a car departing Windsor Castle.

Journalist and royal commentator Afua Hagan expressed surprise at the decision to release a manipulated image, especially given the current climate. Hagan also pointed out the involvement of Kate’s team, suggesting a failure in their judgment. She criticized the public relations and communications team, suggesting they had let down the Princess of Wales by allowing the situation to occur and subsequently placing blame on her.

Finding cancer after surgery for a noncancerous issue is uncommon, but it does occur in approximately 4 percent of such cases, according to Yuman Fong, a surgeon at the City of Hope cancer center in Southern California. This figure represents individuals undergoing surgery for conditions initially believed to be benign, such as gallbladder removal or ovarian cyst removal.

Regarding Kate’s treatment, the palace statement did not disclose specific details about her cancer or treatment regimen, other than stating that she commenced treatment in late February. Following successful surgery, chemotherapy is often employed to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence. Modern chemotherapy treatments may involve shorter durations or lower doses compared to previous approaches. Side effects can include fatigue, nausea, tingling in the extremities, and hair loss, although there are medications and interventions to manage these effects.

Cancer is relatively rare among young adults, but rates of certain cancers are increasing among this demographic in developed countries. Kate, at 42 years old, falls within this age group. While the diagnosis is distressing, younger patients often have better recovery prospects, as noted by Yuman Fong.

In response to Kate’s announcement, Prince Harry and Meghan, who have been estranged from Prince William and Kate since relocating to California in 2020, expressed their well wishes for the princess’s health and the family’s privacy. Additionally, Kate’s brother, James Middleton, offered his support, sharing a childhood photo of them together.

King Charles expressed his pride in Kate for her bravery in speaking about her cancer diagnosis. A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace stated that Charles has maintained close contact with Kate, his beloved daughter-in-law, since their time together in the hospital. Both Charles and his wife, Camilla, are committed to providing love and support to the entire family during this challenging period.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also extended his support, stating that Kate has the love and backing of the entire country.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/23/kate-middleton-reveals-cancer-diagnosis-what-we-know-so-far