by Mick the Ram

In shock news, the Princess of Wales has announced that she has cancer and has begun a course of “preventative chemotherapy”.

The 42-year-old had abdominal surgery in January and was believed to have been recuperating well, but seemingly doctors discovered the presence of cancer post operation.

It has come as a huge shock, following on from King Charles III announcing he too was suffering from cancer.

Kate has bravely filmed an unprecedented and highly emotional video message revealing her news, but was keen to stress that she was “going to be OK”.

She said that Prince William and herself had taken time to explain everything to their three children and asked for time to focus on making a full recovery.

Shock to everyone

Catherine’s cancer was not initially discovered, indeed when she underwent major abdominal surgery at The London Clinic in January, it was stressed that it was NOT cancerous. Therefore the news that was released at 6pm on Friday 22 March has come as a huge shock to everyone.

Although the initial operation was a success, Kate’s message which was filmed at Windsor earlier in the week, explained how doctors had carried out post-operative tests and the results of these had revealed that cancer was indeed present. She said that they had been doing everything to process and manage the news privately, for the sake of their young family.

Protecting the children

In her video, Kate sits alone on a bench in a pleasant garden setting and tells the cameras that informing their children – George, Charlotte and Louis – in a way that is appropriate for them, was their first concern.

“We had to reassure them that I am going to be ok” she said, going on to say that she told them that she was well and importantly, that she is getting stronger every day by “focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”

She also remarked how having William by her side is a great source of comfort, as is the “love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you.”

Recovery from surgery held up start of treatment

Kate explained how her medical team advised her to begin a course of preventative chemotherapy, but she needed to recover from her surgery before she was strong enough to start. She said she was now in the early stages of that treatment, believed to have commenced in late February.

She asked that people understood that the family now needed some time, space and privacy while she completed her 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.”

Thoughts for others

Even amidst her own personal anguish, there was a message for fellow cancer sufferers: “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.”

Request to steer clear of speculation

Kensington Palace has said it will not be sharing details of what kind of cancer the princess has, or what stage of cancer it is and has asked people not to speculate. They did say that the Princess is in “good spirits” and is “hugely grateful to the medical team for the care they are providing to her”.

Chance to get away

It is understood that the King and Queen have both been informed of the news and it is thought that the announcement was made not because of unpleasant social media speculation about her health and whereabouts, even though that has been very unpleasant and has caused a lot of upset.

It was instead it appears, more because their children have broken up from school for Easter, giving them the opportunity to get away privately and protect them from the inevitable fall out from the news going public.