The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is focusing on 'making a full recovery' after tests found traces of cancer. The 42-year-old mum-of-three announced on Friday that she is undergoing the early stages of preventative chemotherapy after tests following her abdominal surgery in January discovered cancer present.
She described the news as a 'huge shock' in her emotional and heartfelt televised statement. Princess Kate spoke of an "incredibly tough couple of months" for the Royal Family but said that she is "getting stronger every day".
Kensington Palace has now answered some of the questions that people have about the princess' well-being, diagnosis and treatment plan as she prioritises her health and family.
Read more: Kensington Palace shares more information about Kate Middleton's cancer recovery
Read more: Kate Middleton cancer latest updates and what Kensington Palace has said
What has Kate said?
In a recorded message to the public, Kate said: "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. 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.", reports the Mirror.
"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. 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."
When was Kate diagnosed?
Kate's cancer was diagnosed after she had major surgery on her abdomen in January. Kensington Palace said it happened: "Once post-operative tests had been completed and results reviewed."
What type of cancer is it?
The type of cancer Kate has and what stage it's at is private, and the Palace said: "We will not be sharing any further private medical information. The Princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do."
How was it diagnosed?
Doctors didn't think Kate's condition was cancer at first. They didn't see any signs of cancer in her tests.
But after her operation, they found out cancer had been present. Kensington Palace shared that the cancer was found "once post-operative tests had been completed and results reviewed."
Kate started chemotherapy at the end of February to stop the cancer from coming back. Kensington Palace told us: "The Princess is now on a recovery pathway having commenced a course of preventative chemotherapy."
What treatment is Kate having?
Kate started preventative chemotherapy in late February. Kensington Palace said: "The Princess is now on a recovery pathway having commenced a course of preventative chemotherapy." How long the treatment will last is said to be subject to medical advice. The Palace will not be sharing details of where Kate is being treated.
How long she'll need treatment depends on what doctors say.
Why did Kate hold off sharing the diagnosis?
Kate didn't make the news of her cancer right away because she needed time to come to terms with the diagnosis and also get better from surgery. She and William decided to wait until their kids were on Easter holiday from school.
Kensington Palace explained: "The Princess wanted to share this information when she and The Prince felt it was right for them as a family."
Is Kate being treated on the NHS?
We don't know if Kate is getting her treatment through the NHS. Kate Middleton's original operation was performed at a private hospital in London called The London Clinic. The location and details of her current treatment are not being disclosed by Kensington Palace.
Her medical team will consider various factors, including the potential impact on other patients.
When will Kate return to royal duties?
The future queen hopes to return to work soon but is currently focused on her recovery. She stated: "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."
Kensington Palace confirmed that the Princess of Wales will resume official duties when cleared by her medical team. They stated: "The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery."
When will William return to public duties?
William is expected to resume public duties after the Easter break when his children return to school. Kensington Palace stated: "The Prince will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year."
What has the King said?
Buckingham Palace shared a statement on Friday, saying: "His Majesty is 'so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did'. After their time in hospital together, HM has 'remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.' Both Their Majesties 'will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time'."
