Why Kate Middleton waited to share her cancer diagnosis until now

Kate Middleton waited to share the news of her cancer diagnosis until now so that her children were out of school for their Easter holidays."

It's understood that the children have known about their mother's diagnosis for a while, but the preference was they shouldn't be in school when it was announced publicly," the UK's ITV reports, adding the announcement was only released once they had left school for their break.

The Princess of Wales, 42, shocked royal fans on Friday when she shared the news that she was diagnosed with cancer following her "major abdominal surgery" in January. She revealed that while they believed the issue was non-cancerous, tests "found cancer had been present".

Kate shared that she is now in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy and that the diagnosis came as a "huge shock" and she wanted to take the time to tell her children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, before the news was shared to the general public.

George, Charlotte and Louis are now on half-term break and will have a few weeks off from school for Easter, giving the family privacy to deal with the news together.

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The family often spends school breaks at Anmer Hall, their country home in Norfolk. It is around 110 miles north of London, and Kate is said to feel "most at home" there.

"It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment," Kate said in her statement. "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.

"As I have said to them, I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal, in my mind, body and spirits."

Kate shares cancer diagnosis

Kate shared her announcement in a video filmed by the BBC, with no edits.

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 have 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 have taken great care of me, for which I am 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 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.

"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.

"As you can imagine, this has taken time. 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.

"As I have said to them, I am well and 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 too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us 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 am able, but for now, I must focus on making a full recovery.

"At this time, I am 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."

Kate's announcement comes following weeks of speculation about her wellbeing.

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