The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has shared a personal health update that has resonated around the globe. In a heartfelt video message, she revealed that she is undergoing chemotherapy as a preventative measure after her recent abdominal surgery uncovered the presence of cancer. Middleton, who is 42, chose not to divulge the specific type of cancer or its stage.

This announcement follows a period of public speculation about her health, sparked by her admission to the hospital on January 17 for the said surgery. After spending nearly two weeks in medical care, the princess’s condition was initially believed to be noncancerous. Her last public appearance was on Christmas Day, and sightings of her have been rare since then.

Concerns for her well-being intensified following the release of a Mother’s Day photograph by Kensington Palace, which was later revealed to have been significantly edited. Middleton’s openness about her diagnosis marks a shift towards greater transparency within the royal family—a contrast to the traditional privacy surrounding their personal health issues.

This new approach to public communication about health is also reflected in the recent disclosures by King Charles III and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, regarding their own battles with cancer. The royal family’s decision to share these struggles openly may herald a new chapter in how public figures address personal health challenges.