UPDATE 2 - UK's Princess Kate receiving treatment for cancer

ADDS STATEMENTs FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE, KENSINGTON PALACE

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) — Princess of Wales Kate Middleton announced Friday that she is receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

In a video message recorded by the BBC Studios at Windsor on Wednesday, Kate said her condition was discovered after she had abdominal surgery in January.

"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," she added.

After weeks of speculation about her health, the princess said she and her husband, Prince William, needed time to explain the situation to their children.

"This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family," she said.

Kate said she is "well and getting stronger every day" by focusing on the things that will help her heal, "in my mind, body and spirits."

"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."

A Kensington Palace spokesman later said on the issue that the princess "is now on a recovery pathway having commenced a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February."

- Kate has 'love and support'

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said King Charles is "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did."

Following their time in hospital together, Charles has "remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks," it noted.

The statement added that both Charles and Queen Camilla "will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time."

In a statement, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the princess has shown "tremendous bravery" with her statement.

"The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery," he added.

The 42-year-old princess had been admitted to the London Clinic on Jan. 16 for abdominal surgery. In the same month, Kensington Palace said she would be in the hospital for 14 days after undergoing the planned abdominal surgery.

Details of the cancer have not been disclosed yet, but Kensington Palace said on Friday that they are confident that the princess will make a full recovery.

"The Princess is now on a recovery pathway having commenced a course of preventative chemotherapy," according to the Palace.