Kate Middleton being treated for cancer

Kate Middleton is being treated for cancer.

In a video published to social media today, the 42-year-old Princess of Wales said “it’s been an incredibly tough couple of months for our family.”

She said she is in the early stages of treatment for the disease, but revealed few details.

The Princess – who is the wife of William, the Prince of Wales and heir to the throne – underwent abdominal surgery in January.

She said it had been a “huge shock” to receive the diagnosis.

But she added: “I am well, and getting stronger every day.”

The future queen said her medical team was unaware she had cancer when she was operated on earlier this year.

She said cancer was later found following testing, however, and she was advised to “undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy.”

"For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope,” she said.

“You are not alone."

Her father-in-law, King Charles, revealed his own cancer diagnosis last month.

Saddened to hear of the cancer diagnosis of Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales.

I join with all Canadians in wishing her a speedy recovery, and her family support in a difficult time.

— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) March 22, 2024

The Princess’s absence from public life in recent months has prompted much speculation, which intensified after the Royal Family released an edited photograph earlier this month. Middleton later said she had botched the edit herself.

Conspiracy theories about Middleton have become common on social media in recent weeks, as well as at certain media outlets.

But the Princess, who is a mother of three, said she and her husband “have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family."

"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."

Now, she added, the family needs "some time, space and privacy."

In a statement from Buckingham Palace, the King said he is "so proud" of Middleton for showing "courage in speaking as she did."

The King and Queen has been in "the closest contact" with their "beloved daughter-in-law," the statement added.

Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre, meanwhile, posted to X after the announcement to wish Middleton "a speedy recovery."

He said he was "saddened" to hear of her diagnosis.