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Kate Middleton has been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer, the Princess of Wales announced in a video<\/a> Friday afternoon.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis, of course, came as a huge shock,\u201d she said. \u201cWilliam and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.\u201d<\/p>\n The news comes at the height of public speculation surrounding the 42-year-old\u2019s wellbeing<\/a>, which has spawned numerous conspiracy theories<\/a>. Middleton underwent planned abdominal surgery at the London Clinic<\/a> in January, at which time Kensington Palace said she would be stepping away from her public duties until after Easter. In a Jan. 17 post on X (formerly Twitter)<\/a>, the royal family noted the princess wished \u201cthat her personal medical information remains private.\u201d<\/p>\n The \u201cmajor\u201d procedure, the details of which haven\u2019t been made public, was for a non-cancerous condition, Middleton said in her video statement. Despite a successful surgery, tests later showed cancer had been present.<\/p>\n \u201cMy medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy,\u201d she said. \u201cI am now in the early stages of that treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The princess thanked the public for their support and understanding during what has been \u201can incredibly tough couple of months\u201d for the royal family.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte, and Louis in a way that\u2019s appropriate for them and to reassure them that I\u2019m going to be OK,\u201d she said. \u201cAs I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country. pic.twitter.com\/IFX51Wm5Q3<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) March 22, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n Middleton asked for privacy as she continues treatment, and said she looks forward to returning to work as soon as she\u2019s able. She closed her announcement with a message to others in her situation.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer,\u201d she said. \u201cFor everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a statement<\/a> in support of Middleton, which reads, in part, \u201cWhen it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.\u201d<\/p>\n In February, King Charles, 75, was diagnosed with \u201ca form of cancer\u201d during a procedure for a benign enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace<\/a> said. He, too, has stepped away from public duties but planned to \u201cundertake State business and official paperwork as usual.\u201d<\/p>\n For more on celebrity cancer diagnoses:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Subscribe to Well Adjusted, our newsletter full of simple strategies to work smarter and live better, from the Fortune Well team. <\/span>Sign up<\/span><\/a> for free today.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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