Princess Kate, 42, says in a video message that she has received a cancer diagnosis and is in the early stages of chemotherapy.
According to the princess, her doctor did not think she had cancer when she underwent stomach surgery in January, but later tests showed she had cancer. Therefore, Princess Kate is now undergoing preventive chemotherapy.
She says in her statement that she is getting stronger every day, and that she looks forward to returning to her duties as a princess when she feels better, but that she and the family will now focus on healing.
– Having William by my side is a source of comfort and security for me. It is also the love, support and kindness that so many of you have shown me. It means a lot to both of us, says Princess Kate in her video message.
Second cancer report in two months
The announcement comes shortly following the court ruled in early February that her father-in-law, King Charles III, also suffered from cancer.
In a statement, the court said King Charles was proud of Princess Kate for the courage to speak out as she did.
– The Princess of Wales has shown tremendous courage and has been unfairly treated by some media, says British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Prince Harry and Meghan have also spoken out.
– We wish health and healing to Kate and the family, and hope that they can heal in peace, they say.
“An explanation for the PR failure”
Ebba Kleberg von Sydow, who is a journalist and runs the podcast Monarkerna, says that the news comes as a shock.
– Now we get a human explanation for what still has to be described as a PR failure from the British court. The monarchy has really taken a hit in terms of credibility, she says.
Many who have spoken regarding the princess’s announcement have also criticized the media’s speculation regarding why Kate has not been seen for several months.
– I do not agree with the criticism. I think it has been a justified questioning of the royal communication in that there has been such a compact silence, says Ebba Kleberg von Sydow.