Kate Middleton reveals she has cancer: Princess says she is undergoing chemotherapy and ‘getting stronger every day’

Kate Middleton has revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer – in what she admitted was a “huge shock.”

In a heartbreaking blow for the royal family, the Princess of Wales announced Friday that she is now in the early stages of chemotherapy treatment, as she praised husband Prince William for being by her side.

The princess did not disclose the type of cancer.

Kate, 42, has been at the center of cruel and relentless conspiracy theories over the past few weeks following her disappearance from public life after undergoing major abdominal surgery in January.

Kate Middleton address people in a video message released Friday to reveal she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. BBC Studios

In an emotional video, the mother-of-three – who did not reveal what cancer she has – spoke out to say, “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.

Looking very pale in a striped sweater and jeans, but with her trademark glossy brown hair styled for the cameras,  Kate admitted, “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 Middleton address people in a video message released Friday to reveal she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. BBC Studios

Palace sources told Page Six that Kate and William had wanted to keep the information private until their children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis – who turns 6 on April 23 – had had time to “understand and process the news before it was made public.”

However, the children began Easter vacation from their schools on Friday and the couple thought it was the right time to speak out.

Kate added, “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.”

Despite intense – and false  – rumors that William had been having an affair with British aristocrat Rose Hanbury which were given credence on air by CBS star Stephen Colbert – Kate said, “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.”

Kate’s news comes just weeks after King Charles was also diagnosed with cancer, and leaves the royal family in chaos.

“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” said Kate, “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.”

Kate Middleton says she is relying on Prince William for support Getty Images

Kate will now be getting treatment out of the public eye and resting at home in Windsor, as palace sources said the family hoped for privacy.

After being subjected to global conspiracy theories,  Kate was seen in photos published earlier this week alongside William at a farm shop in Windsor, looking healthy.

But even that piqued conspiracy theorists, who thought it was a body double.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s pal, tech CEO Christopher Bouzy, who appeared in their Netflix documentary, tweeted, “I’ve compiled a few older videos of William and Kate walking together, as well as the recent video from Windsor Farm. Take a look and decide for yourself if it’s Kate or not.

The Princess says she has told her children about the illness. Samir Hussein/WireImage

“We were told Kate was recovering and would resume her royal duties shortly,” he continued. “Yet, in the recent video, she is holding a bag and moving briskly. If she’s capable of such activity, why isn’t she back to fulfilling her royal duties yet?

The weeks of social media chaos prompted Jimmy Kimmel to hit back Thursday night, as he said on air, “We finally got a royal update on Kate Middleton,” Kimmel said, referring to palace guidance that Kate was working on her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood program from home.

“There’s a very simple explanation for Kate Middleton’s whereabouts: She’s been working from home,” Kimmel continued. How does a princess work from home? ‘I’m just going to stay in and wave at people?’ Maybe it’s because I’m American but I don’t understand the craziness around this. Why do we have to know where she is? It’s not like she’s the bus driver.

Then Kimmel’s tone got a bit more serious as he said: “She had an operation, she had abdominal surgery. Maybe she has a colostomy bag and doesn’t want everybody to see it. I mean, really. People are demanding she get dressed up and march through London so we can have a look at her. Leave this woman alone!”