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Kate Middleton will not join the royal family at this year’s Easter service due to her ongoing cancer battle, Page Six has learned.
This coincides with the palace’s previous statement that the princess, 42, was “unlikely to return to public duties” until after the holiday, which falls on March 31.
However, it’s unclear when Middleton will make her first official appearance as it’s likely dependent on her chemotherapy treatment.
Kate Middleton will not be attending Easter service later this month with her family, Page Six can confirm. Getty Images In January, the palace announced that she would likely start attending public events again after the holiday. Getty ImagesMiddleton revealed Friday that she was “in the early stages” of chemo — yet didn’t say how much longer she will be undergoing the treatment.
In an emotional video posted to Instagram, the mother of three said it was a “huge shock” to receive the diagnosis after going in for a “planned abdominal surgery” in January for what she thought was a “non-cancerous” issue.
“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.”
Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis on Instagram Friday. BBC Studios She is currently undergoing “preventative” chemotherapy. BBC StudiosWant more celebrity and pop culture news?
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“William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” Middleton, who wore a striped sweater and jeans, said somberly.
The princess noted that she and her husband, Prince William, needed “time to explain everything” to their kids — Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 — in an “appropriate” manner before sharing the news with the world.
Middleton’s biggest concern was to “reassure” her children that she was “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,” she explained.
The princess did not reveal what type of cancer she has. UK Press via Getty Images However, she applauded husband Prince William for his support during this difficult time. Getty Images“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too,” she said, putting to rest unfounded rumors that their marriage was on the rocks.
“As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”
Middleton, who described the last couple of months as “incredibly tough,” wrapped up her message by asking for “some time, space and privacy” as she completes her treatment.
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Listen to our weekly “We Hear” podcast Shop our exclusive merchIt’s unclear when Middleton will return to her royal duties. Getty Images
She concluded the video by encouraging those battling cancer to “not lose faith or hope” and know they “are not alone.”
Just one hour after the emotional announcement, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told Page Six that King Charles III — who is also battling cancer — is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.”
They noted that the monarch has “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks” and will continue to support their family during this “difficult time.”