Catherine, Princess of Wales has revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer, saying that it has been “tough of months” for the entire family.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you personally for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I’ve been recovering from surgery,” she said in a more than two-minute recorded video uploaded on the social media platform X, formerly called Twitter, by the Kensington Palace on Friday.

She was seen wearing a white and black striped sweater and blue jeans. The video was shot against the backdrop of a garden.

Kate, 42, has not been seen in public since attending a Christmas Day church service, and underwent abdominal surgery in January, fuelling speculation about her health.

Her Kensington Palace office on Sunday sought to dispel rumours by distributing an official photograph said to have been taken by her husband Prince William of his wife with their three children.

According to Catherine, it has been an “incredibly tough couple of months” for their entire family, but she had a “fantastic medical team who have taken great care of her” for which she was 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 preventive chemotherapy and now I’m in the early stages of treatment.”

Kate shared that it was “a huge shock” for them and she and William have been doing everything to process and manage the diagnosis 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 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.”

Kate added that having William by her side was a “great source of comfort and reassurance too”. She went on to add that the love, support and kindness from so many people from around the world meant so much to them.

Prince William married Kate Middleton in regal splendour at London’s Westminster Abbey in 2011.

“We hope that you will understand that as a family we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” the Princess of Wales said and added that she would be back to her royal duties once she was able.

“But for now I must focus on making a full recovery.”

Being diagnosed with cancer, she said that she was thinking of all those affected by the disease. “For everyone facing this disease in whatever form please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”