The Princess of Wales shared the news of her diagnosis and treatment in a video statement.

Getty Images / Chris Jackson / Staff

Prince William and Kate Middleton will celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary next month (the pair tied the knot on April 29, 2011), and while it should be a joyous occasion for the royal parents of three, it will also come on the heels of the heartbreaking announcement that the two are facing their greatest relationship challenge to date: On March 22, 2024, the Princess of Wales released a video statement in which she shares that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy treatments. While she says the news came as a “huge shock,” she has leaned on her husband for “comfort” and “reassurance.”

“The surgery was successful, however tests after the operation found that cancer had been present,” Kate said in the video statement shared across social media. “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.”

Getty Images / Dave Benett / Contributor

“As you can imagine, this has taken time… 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’m going to be okay. I’ve said to them, I am well and getting stronger everyday but focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body, and spirits. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance, too.”

Now, Kate has called on the public to give her—and her family—time to process this diagnosis and focus on getting well. Though William will likely continue public-facing duties, the pair has always prioritized making time for their family and relationship, so there’s little doubt in anyone’s mind that the Prince of Wales will be by his wife’s side throughout the weeks and months ahead. A spokesperson for Kensington Palace tells People that Prince William “will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year.”

Kate’s announcement comes just weeks after the princess’s father-in-law, King Charles, shared that he is undergoing cancer treatment. In similar fashion, he has leaned on his spouse, Queen Camilla, for support both at home and with public duties. Following news that King Charles would step back from public duties to receive necessary treatments, the PA news agency reported that Camilla will continue all royal engagements and public duties in the meantime.