LONDON — Kate Middleton revealed in a video message that she has been diagnosed with cancer.

The Princess of Wales, 42, is undergoing preventative chemotherapy treatment following a planned abdominal surgery that indicated the presence of cancer. Kate did not provide details on the type or extent of the cancer in her message.

Middleton shared an update on her health on Friday, after a significant surgery earlier this year.

"I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding while I have been recovering from surgery," Middleton stated in the video recorded on Wednesday.

"It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful." Following her abdominal surgery, it was initially believed that her condition was non-cancerous. However, further tests revealed the presence of cancer. Middleton's medical team advised her to start chemotherapy.

"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," she continued. "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 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," Middleton added. "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." The princess has requested privacy as she completes her treatment.

"We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment," she noted. "My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery. At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone."

The Princess of Wales has been largely absent from the public eye since Dec. 25. Buckingham Palace later announced that Middleton had been admitted to a hospital for planned abdominal surgery on Jan. 17. Since then, she has been seen only a few times, leading to speculation about her health. Middleton was last seen walking through the Windsor Farm Shop nearly three months after her last official royal engagement. — Agencies