Watch Kate Middleton’s Heartbreaking Cancer Video Announcement, Told In Her Own Words

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, announced she has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the “early stages” of treatment.

Middleton, who is 42, made the shocking announcement herself in a video addressing the public amid speculation about her mysterious absence.

“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I have had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me for which I am so grateful,” she said in a video shared through Channel 4 News.

She explained that the cancer was detected after she underwent “major abdominal surgery” in January. She was advised to undergo chemotherapy, which she is now in the “early stages of.”

Middleton also explained the reason behind her mysterious absence, which caused a number of rumors and conspiracies to proliferate online as many began to wonder what had happened to the Princess.

“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,” she said. “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’s appropriate for them and to reassure them that I’m going to be okay.”

This marks the first public appearance Middleton has made seen since December. After her surgery in January, Kensington Palace confirmed that Kate would not resume her public duties “until after Easter,” per ABC.

Middleton went on to ask for privacy for herself and her family as she continues receiving treatment, adding that she is focused on “getting stronger every day” and “making a full recovery” so that she can return to her work.

She also added that her husband, Prince William, has been by her side as she undergoes treatment.

“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too, as is the love, support, and kindness that is being showed by so many of you,” she said.

She later concluded her announcement with a message to other cancer survivors, saying, “For everyone facing this disease in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”

Scroll up to watch Kate Middleton’s complete announcement.