Kate, Princess of Wales, announces cancer was found during surgery

Catherine, Princess of Wales, on Friday, revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the “early stages” of treatment.

The announcement, which the princess described as a “huge shock,” came in a video message. 

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” said Catherine, 42, who is married to the heir to the British throne, Prince William.

"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," Kate said in the video message. "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."

"I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits," Kate said in the video. "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."

She said that she would continue to take the time and space she needs to undergo treatment and recover, and asked the public for understanding.

Kensington Palace said her video message was filmed by BBC Studios in Windsor on Wednesday. In it, Kate said she was in the "early stages" of her chemotherapy treatment.