Catherine, The Princess of Wales says she is in the early stages of treatment after a cancer diagnosis.
In a video statement, Catherine says it was a "huge shock" after an "incredibly tough couple of months." But she sent a positive message, saying: "I am well and getting stronger every day."
Details of the cancer have not been disclosed, but Kensington Palace says it is confident the princess will make a full recovery. The video statement from Catherine explains that when she had abdominal surgery in January, it was not known that there was any cancer.
"However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” said the Princess. “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."
The chemotherapy treatment began in late February. The Palace says it will not be sharing any further private medical information, including the type of cancer.
Catherine, 42, said she was thinking of all those who have been affected by cancer. She added: "For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope.
“You are not alone." She said that recovery from her surgery in January, for a condition which has not been revealed, had taken time and the priority was now reassuring her family.
"William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family." The princess added: "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."
The Princess said the family now needs "some time, space and privacy." The King and Queen had been informed of the news about the Princess's health prior to the announcement - and King Charles himself has also been undergoing treatment for cancer.
He (King Charles) and The Princess of Wales were briefly treated at the London Clinic private hospital at the same time - Catherine had her abdominal surgery there and the King was admitted for what was said to be a corrective procedure, for an enlarged prostate. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King was proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.
After their time in hospital together, he has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks. Prince Harry and Meghan sent a message saying: "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace."
Catherine and Prince William are now not expected to appear with the Royal Family on Easter Sunday, and there won't be any early return to official duties for the princess. The Palace also said that Prince William's sudden absence from a memorial service on 27 February was because of the discovery of Catherine's cancer diagnosis.
The couple have faced intense public speculation and a social media frenzy about her health, since her operation in January. She has not attended any official events since Christmas.
In her video statement, she spoke about the support from her family: "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." There have been calls for privacy from the palace after weeks of speculation and conspiracy theories about the royal couple.
This had intensified after the withdrawal by photo agencies of a photograph of the princess for Mother's Day, on 10 March, because of concerns over digital alterations, for which the princess subsequently apologised. There were also social media theories over video footage showing Prince William and Catherine shopping in Windsor earlier this week.
Professor Pat Price, an oncologist and founder of the Catch Up With Cancer campaign, praised the Princess for speaking out openly and frankly, going on to say: "As was the case with the King's diagnosis, her doing so will no doubt give many more people that vital prompt to get themselves checked and give others affected by cancer more confidence to speak about their own experience.
"This announcement is a stark and shocking reminder that cancer is no respecter of age or social status."
