PRINCESS Kate won’t return to royal duties until she is good and ready after her cancer diagnosis, it is understood.
It’s believed the brave royal will miss the traditional royal Easter service next week after she this evening revealed she is undergoing treatment.
The royal, 42, has remained absent from any official duties following abdominal surgery in January.
Kate said in a video message she initially showed no signs of cancer but post-op tests showed the disease had been “present”.
Kate said the family now needs “time, space and privacy” while she completes her treatment.
It is now believed she will not return to work at Easter, as was previously announced by the palace.
In a video message, 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 am also thinking of all those lives affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease in whatever form please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
It is traditional for the Royal Family to attend an Easter Service, with them attending one at Windsor last year.
William and their kids are not expected to head to St George’s Chapel on the grounds of the Berkshire castle for the Easter Day Mattins.
Her diagnosis is the second the royal family has faced since King Charles revealed he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
Kate said: “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.
“This of course came as a huge shock. William and I have been doing everything I can to process this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine this has taken time. It has taken time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
“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 I’m getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body and spirit.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”
William has been focused on supporting his wife and family.
The palace are unable to say when chemotherapy treatment will end.
Kate’s abdominal procedure took place at the London Clinic on January 16, Kensington Palace previously confirmed.
Kate was last officially seen with her family at the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham.
Her absence has been plagued by vile conspiracy theories over her whereabouts in the weeks that followed the announcement.
On March 4, Kate was seen for the first time since her operation. as she rode in a car with mum Carole, 69.
That same week, she shared a sweet snap of herself with Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte for Mother’s Day.
But eagle-eyed royal fans were quick to spot flaws in the snap – before photo agencies ordered a “kill notice” on the pic.
This caused further vile conspiracy theories to spread – before Kate admitted on March 11 that she had “experimented with editing“.
She was spotted in the car with Prince William as they left Windsor Castle that afternoon.
She was later said to be “very sad” that the sweet photograph had triggered a global furore.
William meanwhile has been continuing his royal duties – joking how his “wife was the arty one” at one event last Thursday.
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEBRUARY 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MARCH 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
He also made an emotional speech about mum Diana at her legacy awards.
Then, on Saturday, royal fans spotted Princess Kate out and about near her home at Windsor.
On Monday, Kate seen in a video obtained by The Sun shopping with Prince William.
The diagnosis comes as three workers at The London Clinic are investigated over allegations they attempted to hack Kate’s medical records.
Bosses at the hospital have refused to confirm when they were first made aware of the allegation, whether anyone had been suspended, or if any private information was accessed.
The London Clinic’s chief executive Al Russell said in a statement: “Everyone at The London Clinic is acutely aware of our individual, professional, ethical and legal duties with regards to patient confidentiality.
“We take enormous pride in the outstanding care and discretion we aim to deliver for all our patients that put their trust in us every day.
“We have systems in place to monitor management of patient information and, in the case of any breach, all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken.
“There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues.”
