Princess of Wales reveals she has cancer in emotional video

Kate spoke about the “huge shock” of the medical development and how her family have experienced an “incredibly tough couple of months” with her voice cracking with emotion at times.

The princess was admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery on January 16 and at the time her condition was thought to be non-cancerous but tests after the successful operation found cancer, the type of which has not been disclosed.

The future Queen began a course of “preventative chemotherapy” late in February but is said to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as “well and getting stronger every day”.

The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham (Image: PA)

It is understood the Princess of Wales delayed her cancer announcement in order to tell her children at a time that was "right for them". 

In a video message to the nation, Kate said it had “taken us time” to explain the news to her children George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five, “in a way that was appropriate for them”.

Kensington Palace previously said it was not cancer-related and that Kate wished her personal medical information to remain private.

The future Queen was last seen with the rest of the royal family during a Christmas Day walk in Sandringham. 

Kate's absence from public life, following abdominal surgery on January 16, led to conspiracy theories on social media about her whereabouts and health.

King Charles is currently undergoing treatment for a form of cancer and Queen Camilla said on Thursday that he is “doing very well”.

The King was seen smiling and waving at the Sandringham estate last month where he had been recovering from his first round of treatment.

Kate has not revealed which cancer specifically she is being treated for and it is not known how long she will be receiving treatment.