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By CNN Royal Correspondent Max Foster, Lauren Said-Moorhouse and Billy Stockwell in London

BBC Studios

We're sending a special edition of the newsletter with significant breaking news from Kensington Palace. 

Catherine, Princess of Wales has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the “early stages” of treatment, according to a pre-recorded video message released on Friday evening local time.

In the message, Kate said: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.”

She added: “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.”

It has taken time to explain the situation to her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, Kate explained. But she sought to reassure the public that she is “getting stronger every day” with Prince William by her side and the support of the public. 
 
The devastating news follows an announcement in early February that King Charles III is also undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer, during which he has stepped back from public-facing duties.
 
Read the full story here. 

Messages of support are pouring in from around the world.

Shortly after Kate’s announcement, Buckingham Palace said the King, her father-in-law, was "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the princess had “the love and support of the whole country” and had shown “tremendous bravery with her statement.”

The White House also added its good wishes. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the administration’s thoughts were with the royal and her family “during this incredibly difficult time, and certainly we wish her a full recovery.”

What do we know so far about Kate’s condition? 

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

In January, Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales would spend two weeks recovering in hospital following a successful planned abdominal surgery. 

At the time, her condition was thought to be non-cancerous, but later tests “found cancer had been present,” Kate announced in today’s message, adding that the diagnosis was a “huge shock.”

“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful,” she said.

It is understood that Kate and William decided to wait to reveal her condition until their children began their Easter school holidays on Friday.

She also asked the public to give her family the time, space and privacy they need while she finishes her treatment. Kate did not say what type of cancer she had been diagnosed with.

Read the full story here.

“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.” 

– Catherine, Princess of Wales

You can read the full message here.