Catherine, Princess of Wales, on Friday announced that she has cancer and is in the early stages of chemotherapy, asking for "time, space and privacy" as she completes her treatment.
In a recorded video message, the Princess said she had begun the early stages of treatment and is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy. She revealed she and her husband, Prince William, had needed time to manage the situation privately for the sake of their young children, George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five.
Catherine underwent abdominal surgery in January. Subsequent tests revealed that she was suffering from cancer. She explained in the video that she had waited to recover from the surgery prior to starting treatment.
"I am well and getting stronger" she concluded, adding that she hoped to make a full recovery. She asked for "time, space and privacy" in the wake of the announcement.
Details on the type of cancer have not been disclosed.
Kate -- one of the most photographed women in the world -- is a central figure in the royal family and married Prince William, 41, who is heir to the throne, in 2011.
The couple and their young family are seen as the modern face of the ancient institution, and key to its future.
She was last seen at a public engagement on December 25, when she joined her father-in-law King Charles III and other senior royals at a Christmas Day church service.
Her Kensington Palace office announced on January 17 that she was facing up to two weeks in hospital and several months' recuperation after undergoing successful abdominal surgery.
She was not expected to be ready to return to public duties until after Easter on March 31, a statement at the time said.
That announcement came shortly before a separate statement from Buckingham Palace that 75-year-old Charles was to have surgery for a benign enlarged prostate.
He later spent three days at the same private hospital in central London. Officials then said in early February that tests had identified "a form of cancer", without giving further details.
The king has cancelled all public engagements except audiences with the prime minister and ambassadors, and worked on official papers while undergoing treatment.
He has been photographed several times since then, and seen attending church.
But there has been rampant speculation online about Kate's health and whereabouts, particularly online.
She was not seen arriving or leaving the hospital, and William was only spotted visiting once.
Rumours and gossip grew further on March 11, after she released a Mother's Day photograph that was later found to have been digitally altered.
Kate, who has taken several official photographs that have been distributed to the media, apologised in a statement after leading news agencies, including AFP, pulled the image.
A week later, British media published new images of the princess walking with William at a farmers' market near their home in Windsor, west of London.
This week, there were claims that an attempt may have been made to access Kate's confidential medical records, prompting a referral to the UK's data protection watchdog.
Reactions
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished Catherine, Princess of Wales, a "full and speedy recovery" after she announced Friday that she has cancer and is in the early stages of chemotherapy.
Sunak said the princess has "the love and support of the whole country" and added that she had shown "tremendous bravery" with her statement.
The White House also wished Kate a full recovery on Friday after the "terrible" news of her cancer diagnosis. "All of us just heard the terrible news. Our thoughts are with the Duchess of Cambridge and her family," Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.
"Certainly we wish her a full recovery. And I think it's important that we respect their privacy, especially at the time."
Jean-Pierre said she did not have "anything to share at this time" about whether President Joe Biden had spoken to the princess.
"We are taking this in news as all of you are."
Full statement
"I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful 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 condition was non-cancerous.
"The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation 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 William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage 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 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.
"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. We hope that you will understand 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 forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
"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."
