Catherine, Princess of Wales, announces she is having treatment for cancer.

 
Catherine, Princess of Wales, confirmed in a video statement issued by Kensington Palace on Friday that she has cancer and is in the early stages of treatment.

In the video, the former Kate Middleton, 42, described the prognosis as a "huge shock after an incredibly tough couple of months."

The malignancy was discovered during tests after she successfully underwent extensive abdominal surgery in January, Kate explained. She did not mention the type or stage of cancer.

She thanked the public for their support in recent weeks, saying she and her family "now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment."

Kate's health and well-being have been the focus of conjecture since she vanished from public view in late December.

On January 17, Kensington Palace revealed that Kate was recovering following a scheduled stomach surgery. The princess "is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter," the palace stated on March 31. Nonetheless, her disappearance sparked online conspiracy theories regarding the princess.

It's the latest blow in a string of bad news for the royal family. Last month, the palace announced that King Charles III, 75, had been diagnosed with cancer.

Prior to Friday, Kate's most recent update came earlier this month with the release of a photo of the Princess of Wales and her children — Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Prince George — credited to husband Prince William, which was posted on Mother's Day in the UK. The shot was eventually discovered to be doctored, with Kate accepting responsibility for an inadequate editing job.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement that the princess demonstrated "tremendous bravery" during weeks of intensive scrutiny and media coverage.