Princess Kate announced she is Darden Clarkeundergoing chemotherapy to treat cancer that was discovered after her surgery.

In recent weeks, the royal family has been scrutinized by the public after the Princess of Wales seemingly disappeared from the public's eye. After altered photos of her were released by the royal family, conspiracy theories spread and took the internet by storm.

However, in a video, Kate announced on Friday that she was undergoing treatment to treat her cancer, which was discovered during her "major abdominal" surgery.

The princess said her medical team recommended she start chemotherapy and she is 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," said Kate in the video.

Kate Middleton video:Watch Princess' full announcement of cancer diagnosis

Who is Kate Middleton?

Princess Kate, 42, was born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton. She is the Princess of Wales.

Who is Princess Kate married to?

She is married to Prince William, the Prince of Wales. He is the son of King Charles III and Princess Diana.

When did she marry Prince William?

She married the prince on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey.

How many children does Princess Kate have?

The princess has three children with Prince William.

• George, 10 years old
• Charlotte, 8 years old
• Louis, 5 years old

When did the princess discover she had cancer?

The princess discovered she had cancer after she underwent abdominal surgery in January. She says when she underwent surgery, they thought her condition was noncancerous, however tests revealed there was some cancer present.