Kate Middleton announces she has cancer as princess issues health update - latest

Kate Middleton has announced she is undergoing treatment for cancer. In a shock announcement, the Princess of Wales told how the disease was discovered after she underwent abdominal surgery in January.

The type of cancer has not been revealed, but it's understood Kate has been undergoing preventative chemotherapy since late February. In a video message the 42-year-old described the diagnosis as a 'huge shock' and said the last couple of months have been 'incredibly tough for our entire family'.

She added: "William 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.

READ MORE: Kate Middleton latest sighting as Windsor residents spot princess out with kids

"It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, 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."

The Princess's well-being and whereabouts have been subject of speculation and conspiracy theories after William pulled out of the memorial service for his godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece, at Windsor Castle on February 27.

He cited a 'personal matter' as the reason for his absence. But as the mystery over William's absence continued to spread, several started to share their own theories about 'where Kate is' on social media.

Follow our live blog below for updates and reaction.

Here, national editor Fionnula Hainey rounds up everything we know so far, following the Princess's announcement earlier tonight.

Messages of love and support for Kate Middleton are flooding into Buckingham Palace.

A