Since Christmas Day, Kate Middleton has remained out of the public eye and absent from all royal engagements, causing fans and pretty much the entire internet to speculate about her whereabouts. But on Friday, the princess revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer following a "planned abdominal surgery" in January. Prior to the news of her diagnosis, Middleton was expected to return to her royal duties after Easter on Mar. 31. However, now a palace spokesperson said she will return when gets clearance from her doctors.

"The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team," the palace representative said. "She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery." Prince William has mostly kept up his appearances since Middleton's surgery and will continue to "balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year."

According to People, the entire Wales family will also sit out of the traditional Easter service at St. George's Chapel. In the video shared to the Prince and Princess of Wales's social media accounts on Friday, Middleton stated that William has been a "great source of comfort" while she receives "preventative chemotherapy."

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"Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance, too," Middleton said while also thanking everyone for their well wishes. "As is the love, support, and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both."

"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous," she explained in the announcement video filmed by BBC Studios. "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’m now in the early stages of that treatment."

She concluded the message by asking the public for privacy as she undergoes her treatment and promising that she will return to work when the time is right.

"We hope that you’ll understand that as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment," she said. "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’m 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."