Princess Kate reveals she has cancer, is undergoing chemotherapy

(NEXSTAR) — Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed Friday she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.

In a recorded video message, Princess Kate addressed the public directly, after months of rumors about her condition. Kate, 42, was admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery in January. Since then, she has largely been out of the public eye.

At the time of the surgery, Kate said Friday, her condition was thought to be non-cancerous, but tests after the fact revealed cancer cells were 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,” she said in the released video.

Kate said she needed time to recovery for the surgery, start cancer treatment, and talk to her kids’ about her condition.

“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 OK,” she said. “We hope that you’ll understand that as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.”

She also thanked the public for their support and understanding.

This is a breaking news story. The Associated Press contributed to this report.