Kate Middleton undergoing cancer treatment

WASHINGTON — Kate, the Princess of Wales, announced Friday that she is undergoing chemotherapy to treat cancer found after her recent surgery. 

The news comes months after Princess Kate underwent an undisclosed abdominal surgery, which at the time was described as noncancerous.

The princess said that tests after her surgery found that cancer had been present. She is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy. 

Kate has been the center of attention in recent weeks as online rumors surrounding the princess’ whereabouts and health spread rampantly.

Speculation and conspiracy theories skyrocketed after Kensington Palace released a photo of Kate and her children, George, Charlotte and Louis on Mother’s Day in the U.K. The image was retracted by several news agencies after it appeared to have been manipulated.

Princess Kate issued an apology the following day, acknowledging she liked to “experiment with editing” and apologizing for “any confusion” the photo had caused. Rumors and conspiracy theories were not quelled even after footage published by TMZ and The Sun last week appeared to show Kate and Prince William visiting a farm shop near their Windsor home.

On Wednesday, a British privacy watchdog said it was looking into a possible breach of Kate’s medical records while she was a patient for abdominal surgery at a private London hospital. The Information Commissioner’s Office confirmed they received a “breach report” and “are assessing the information provided.”

Kate had surgery at the clinic in central London on Jan. 16 and was discharged almost two weeks later.

The Princess of Wales’ announcement comes a few months after King Charles III revealed he was being treated for an unspecified form of cancer. Charles’ condition was discovered during treatment for an enlarged prostate and since then, the King has canceled all public engagements while he receives treatment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.