Catherine “Kate” Middleton, the Princess of Wales, announced in an online video posted Friday that she is battling cancer.

The Princess confirmed reports from the Royal Palace that she underwent major surgery in January.

“At the time,” Middleton said in the video, “it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.”

“The surgery was successful,” she continued, “however tests after the operation found cancer had been present.”

Following the advice of her medical team, the Princess revealed she is undergoing “preventative chemotherapy” to prevent a recurrence of cancer.

Princess Kate asks for privacy for her and her family as she undergoes treatment

Princess Catherine (Kate) also subtly addressed the mounting rumors about her absence from public life. The Princess stated she it has “taken time” for her family to go through this process.

“William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately,” she said. “As you can imagine, this has taken time.”

“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.”

The Princess says she is “well and getting stronger every day”.

More Stories

Amid the growing media storm, Kate went on to ask the public for “time, space and privacy” while she continues with her treatment.

“I must focus on making a full recovery.”

The Princess did not reveal details about the type of cancer she was diagnosed with. Her diagnosis falls on the heels of the King Charles being diagnosed with cancer in January.

The King has also not made public what type of cancer he is battling either.

At the end of her recorded address, the Princess sent a message to all those in the UK and around the world who have been affected by cancer.

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