The televised statement from Britain’s Princess of Wales should clear up much of the speculation surrounding her health.
A treatment that involves surgery and a two-week stay in hospital followed by two-month recovery would suggest a serious medical condition.
By announcing she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy she has explained her continued absence from public life.
She also said it had taken time for her and Prince William to explain everything to their three young children George, Charlotte and Louis.
A statement from Kensington Palace also explained why Prince William suddenly announced he could not attend a memorial service for his godfather in the grounds of Windsor Castle near the family home on 27 February.
At the time he said the reason was a “personal matter”. Today the palace statement explained this was because he had just heard that day of his wife’s cancer diagnosis.
As the princess explained, it was initially thought that she did not have cancer but this was discovered in subsequent tests.
Coincidentally, King Charles went into hospital for prostate treatment, only for tests to later discover cancer in another area.
By the tone of Princess Kate’s statement in which she asked for privacy, she will not be giving regular updates on her health.
And just like with King Charles, the type of cancer has not been revealed.
It also does not look like there will be a quick return to public duties – there had been speculation that she would return on Easter Sunday but that now seems unlikely.
And it had already been revealed that she has not confirmed that as Colonel of the Irish Guards she will review their parade on 8 June.
This is ahead of the Trooping the Colour ceremony to mark the King’s official birthday on 15 June.
It is unlikely that the princess’ video appearance will completely dampen the conspiracy theories which have continued to flourish.
The rumours went into overdrive after her Mother’s Day photo was revealed to have been edited.
More recently she was filmed by a member of the public at a farm shop last Saturday, only for many to question if it was really her.
These included Boris Johnson’s sister Rachel writing in the Evening Standard.
The Princess of Wales will be hoping that the video statement will help to calm things down.
Read more:
Watch: Kate Middleton reveals she is undergoing cancer treatment
Read: Kate Middleton’s statement in full
Downing St reacts to Kate Middleton cancer announcement
