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Princess of Wales begins preventative chemotherapy for cancer

Friday, 22 March 2024 18:00

Credit: The Royal Family

Catherine in early stages of treatment

The Princess of Wales has confirmed she has begun preventative chemotherapy for cancer. 

Catherine has asked for 'time, space and privacy' while she completes her treatment.

The princess says at the time of undergoing major abdominal surgery in London, in January, it was thought her condition was non-cancerous. 

That surgery was successful however post-operative tests subsequently found that cancer had been present.  

The Princess, who is 42-years-old, is now on a recovery pathway and is said to be in good spirits and focussed on her recovery. 

In a statement released this evening (22 March) she said: "I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.

"It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family but I’ve had a fantastic medical team, who have taken great care of me, for which I am 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 preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.

"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 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.

"Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.

"We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.

"My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able but, for now, I must focus on making a full recovery.

"At this time I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer.

"For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone."

Messages of support have flooded in for the Princess of Wales including from the UK Prime Minister who says she has the 'love and support' of the whole country.

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