Kate Middleton: Princess of Wales receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer

In a video statement recorded at Windsor by the BBC, the Princess of Wales said her cancer had been discovered after she had undergone major abdominal surgery in January.

In her statement, she said it was a ‘huge shock’ after an ‘incredibly tough couple of months’.

The Princess of Wales said: “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.

“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 okay.”

Details of the cancer have not been disclosed, but Kensington Palace said they are confident the Princess will make a full recovery.

Kate, 42, had been admitted to the London Clinic on January 16 for major abdominal surgery. The Princess said it was thought at the time that her condition was ‘non-cancerous’.