Catherine, Princess of Wales, has announced she is undergoing "preventative" chemotherapy for cancer

She said: "I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I've been recovering from surgery. It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family. But I've had a fantastic medical team who've taken great care of me for which I'm so grateful.

"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London. And at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.

"The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation on cancer had been present.

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

"As you can imagine, this has taken time, it has taken me time to recover for major surgery in order to start my treatment.

The Palace has said that they will not be announcing what kind of cancer the princess is suffering from and it is understood that both King Charles - who is also currently receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer - and Queen Camilla have been informed

Catherine added that it had "taken time" for herself and her husband to explain the situation to their children but has tried to promise them that she is "going to be okay" as she reassured the public that she is "getting stronger" every day.

She said: "It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that's appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I'm going to be okay. As I've said to them, I am well. I'm getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body and spirits.

"Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance to as the love support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you.

"It means so much trust both. We hope that you will understand that as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy. And I look forward to being back when I move on. But for now I must focus on making a full recovery."

The princess concluded her message by noting that she is thinking of all those around the world who have also been affected by cancer and urged them to never "lose faith" amid their fight.

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."