LONDON, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Kate, Britain's Princess of Wales, said on Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing preventative chemotherapy.
In a video message posted on X, formerly Twitter, the 42-year-old said tests found cancer after her abdominal surgery in January, though the surgery itself had been successful.
"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.
"It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment," she said.
The princess described having her husband Prince William by her side as a "great source of comfort and reassurance."
Kensington Palace said it would not share the type of cancer, adding: "The princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do."
According to the palace, the princess's chemotherapy began in late February, and it is unclear when it will end and when the princess will return to official duties.
The princess has not been seen on official engagements since late December, when she was pictured on a Christmas Day walk with other members of the Royal Family in Sandringham, Norfolk.
Confirmation of Kate's illness comes less than two months after King Charles III, 75, announced he had been diagnosed with cancer.
