KATE Middleton, Princess of Wales, has revealed she is being treated for cancer.

The 42-year-old, wife of heir apparent William, made the announcement on Friday evening.

In a video message, she said: “I am well and getting stronger every day.”

Middleton 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.

Speaking in the video message recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, she said: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.

READ MORE: Kate Middleton announces cancer diagnosis in new video

“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.”

She added: "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.”

READ MROE: Humza Yousaf urges privacy for Kate Middleton amid cancer news

Middleton's absence from public life following the surgery led to conspiracy theories on social media about her whereabouts and health.

Details of her condition had not been disclosed but Kensington Palace previously said it was not cancer-related and that Kate wished her personal medical information to remain private.

The online speculation increased after irregularities were spotted in a Mother’s Day photograph of Kate and her children, which led to the princess admitting to “editing” the image and apologising for any “confusion” caused.

It was reported at the weekend that Kate may speak about her health during public engagements which are not expected to resume until after Easter.

The King shared that he is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did” and remains in the “closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law”.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the Princess of Wales has “the love and support of the whole country”.

Keir Starmer said the Princess of Wales has “the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too” during this “distressing time”.

The Labour leader criticised “lurid speculation” in relation to Kate as he stressed that she was entitled to privacy as she continues her treatment.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said he had “no doubt” that the Princess of Wales’ words will be “of comfort and support to others” facing a battle against cancer.

The MP said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “We all know the suffering and distress that a cancer diagnosis brings to individuals, their families and friends.

“I wish Kate well in her battle, and have no doubt that her words will be of comfort and support to others facing their own.”