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Kate, Princess of Wales: »I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank you for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding as I recover from surgery. It's been an incredibly tough few months for our entire family. But I had a fantastic team of doctors who took excellent care of me. I am very grateful for that. In January I had abdominal surgery in London. At that time it was assumed that I did not have cancer. The operation was successful. However, tests after surgery revealed that cancer was present. My medical team therefore advised me to undergo preventive chemotherapy. I am now in the early stages of this treatment. That was a huge shock. William and I have done everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this took some time. I needed time to recover from the surgery so I could start treatment. Above all, we needed time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that they could understand. And to reassure them that I will get well again. I told them I was fine. Every day I grow stronger by focusing on the things that help me get healthy: in my mind, my body, and my soul. Having William by my side is also a great source of comfort and reassurance. The same goes for the love, support and kindness that so many of you have shown me. That means a lot to me. We hope you understand that as a family we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. I have always enjoyed my work. And I look forward to being there again when I can. But now I have to focus on my full recovery. At this time I also think of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. To everyone who is faced with this disease, no matter what form it takes: please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”