Princess of Wales, shock cancer news

The Princess of Wales has disclosed she's receiving cancer treatment. In a video message to the public, Catherine revealed that the cancer diagnosis had come after recent abdominal surgery.

Although the surgery was a success, since later analysis showed the presence of cancer cells, the Princess is taking chemotherapy to block any possible development.

Australian visitor Amy Watson was taken by surprise.

Amy Watson: "Yeah, well I actually got the notification of her diagnosis as I was just standing outside of the palace. It's quite a shock, yeah."

Praised by King Charles for her courage in speaking out about her treatment, the video also puts an end to weeks of media speculation about Kate's health and the reasons for her surgery.

Hannah Dickerson's a sightseer from the US.

Hannah Dickerson: "I think, I think they're really doing their best to balance it. I think they, I feel like with all the news about Kate's, like, disappearance and her not being here, I feel like that's them juggling how, how to balance telling the public but also privately making sure they do it in their own terms. So, I think it's just a massive challenge, but I think they understand that we want to know the information and people care and want to know. So I think it's just, it's hard but they're doing a good job."

The Princess admitted the diagnosis had been a huge shock. As a family, they'd needed time to clarify what was happening to their three young children.

So far this year, the entire royal family has faced challenges. In January, King Charles announced that following surgery of his own, cancer had been discovered and that he too was being treated.

Sarah, the Duchess of York, who was formerly married to the King's brother Andrew, has also recently revealed that she's been having treatment. In her case, doctors had discovered a problematic cancerous growth while giving breast cancer treatment.

The Princess of Wales has gently requested understanding from the public. During her chemotherapy, she and her family will need peace and privacy.

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