I wanted to take the time to thank you personally for all the messages of support and for your understanding whilst I’ve 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 go a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I’m 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’m going to be OK.

As I’ve 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’ll 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’m also thinking of all those whose live have been affectedly cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.