Kate Middleton has revealed that she has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The Princess of Wales announced on Friday that following diagnosis, she is undergoing early stages of chemotherapy treatment.

In an official video statement, the princess said the diagnosis came as a “huge shock.”

She began by thanking people for supporting her.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you personally for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.”

After confessing that it has been a tough couple of months for her “entire family,” the 42-year-old said in the video, “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. 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.”

The highly elegant Middleton dressed casually in a striped sweater and jeans as she sat down on a park bench.

“William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” the mother of three added.

Palace sources revealed that Prince William and Middleton had wanted to keep the harrowing diagnosis private until their children - Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 – had time to understand the health crisis before making a public statement.

Middleton 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 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.”

The consort to the heir to the throne went on to praise her husband William for standing by her side during this hard time.

She did not address rumors that have plagued the royal couple – that William has been having an affair with British aristocrat Rose Hanbury – and has been denied by Hanbury herself.

“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too,” Middleton added. “As is the love, support, and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”

“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,” she concluded.

The princess will be treated out of the public eye and will be resting at their Windsor home.

Defending Middleton, who has been hounded by rumors and conspiracy theories in the last couple of weeks, Jimmy Kimmel said during his late-night show, “She had an operation, she had abdominal surgery. Maybe she has a colostomy bag and doesn’t want everybody to see it. I mean, really. People are demanding she get dressed up and march through London so we can have a look at her. Leave this woman alone!”