LONDON: Princess of Wales Catherine Middleton, on Friday announced that she has cancer and is in the early stages of chemotherapy, asking for “time, space and privacy” as she completes her treatment.

Kate, as she is widely known, said the discovery of cancer, after successful abdominal surgery in January, was “a huge shock” but she was “well and getting stronger every day”.

There had been rampant speculation online about Kate’s health and whereabouts, particularly online, in recent days.Rumours and gossip grew further on March 11, after she released a Mother’s Day photograph that was later found to have been digitally altered.

On Friday, the 42-year-old princess did not disclose the exact nature of the cancer but described the last few months since she went into hospital as “incredibly tough” for her and her family.

“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,” she said in a video statement, filmed on Wednesday at Windsor.

UK PM Rishi Sunak praised Kate for her bravery, while the White House also sent a message of support.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2024