Kate Middleton: Catherine, Princess of Wales, diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy

Kate Middleton has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.

The Princess of Wales revealed the devastating diagnosis in a video on Saturday morning, saying it came as a shock.

“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,” she said in the video.

“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 inorder to start my treatment.

“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.

The Princess, 42, said she needs to focus on making a full recovery before she can return to work and was thinking of everyone who had been affected by cancer.

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

The news follows weeks of speculation about Catherine’s whereabouts after a photoshopped picture of the royal family sent the rumour mill into overdrive.

Photography agencies sensationally pulled the photo of the Princess of Wales posing with her children — and without a wedding ring — on Sunday amid allegations of tampering.

The photograph, reportedly taken by Prince William, showed Princess Kate smiling with the couple’s three children for a Mother’s Day post on Instagram.

The Princess of Wales was forced to issue an apology for her photo, admitting she had “experimented with editing”.

The shock cancer diagnosis comes just a month after King Charles revealed he was also undergoing treatment for the disease.

In February, the Palace revealed The King would postpone public duties after doctors discovered a form of cancer.

“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the palace said in a statement.

“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”