The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has been diagnosed with cancer, according to a video message released by the BBC Friday evening.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous. The surgery was successful,” Ms Kate said in the recorded video donning a sweater. “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,” said the Princess of Wales. 

The announcement makes her the second member of the British royal family to undergo chemotherapy treatment this year since King Charles III announced in February that he was also treating cancer.

Like the British monarch, Ms Kate did not specify the form of cancer she was treating but described the diagnosis “a huge shock” that hit her and her young family.

She explained that her husband, Prince Williams had been quite supportive, offering her a “great source of comfort and reassurance” in this trying period.

Also, she said their three children: Charlotte, George and Louis, were informed in a manner that was appropriate for their age.

The ailing princess asked that the public accord her time and privacy to treat the terminal illness. 

“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 of Wales stressed.