Catherine, Princess of Wales, Shares Cancer Diagnosis

Catherine, Princess of Wales, shared in a recorded address that she's been diagnosed with cancer.

The Princess of Wales began the address by thanking everyone for "all the wonderful messages of support" while she's been recovering from abdominal surgery.

She continued, "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."

Princess Catherine then says, "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."

The Princess of Wales also shared she's currently in the early stages of chemotherapy treatment and that her diagnosis has been a huge shock to her and her husband, William, Prince of Wales.

"As you can imagine, this has taken time," said Princess Catherine. "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."

The Princess of Wales says she's getting stronger every day and asks for "time, space and privacy" while she undergoes chemotherapy.

News of Princess Catherine's cancer diagnosis is shocking, considering she's currently isn't the only British Royal Family member fighting the disease.

In February, Buckingham Palace shared a statement announcing King Charles III was diagnosed with cancer. The statement said, "During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer."

The statement continues, "His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."

Furthermore, it's noted, "The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."

The statement concludes, "His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."

Additionally, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, shared in January that she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma while battling breast cancer.

She shared via Instagram, "I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, my second cancer diagnosis within a year after I was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was."

She added, "Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support."

Queen Elizabeth II recognized many individuals with honors of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. During her legendary reign as Queen, she knighted a number of popular musicians.

Here is a brief explainer on the various levels of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Per the U.K.'s official Honours System website, the following are the five title distinctions in order of importance the British Monarchy can bestow upon individuals for their non-combative contributions to the U.K.:

-Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE): "Achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others."

-Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE): "Distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally."

-Commander of the British Empire (CBE): "A prominent national role of a lesser degree, a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity."

-Damehood/Knighthood (DBE/KBE): "A pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity (usually, but not exclusively, at national level), or in a capacity which will be recognized by peer groups as inspirational and significant nationally and demonstrates sustained commitment."

-Dame/Knight Grand Cross (GBE): "Grand Cross is the highest class in many of the Orders."

Typically, the head monarch will unveil these honors as part of every New Year. Additionally, their birthday also serves as a time to unveil new additions to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. People can be nominated via a special form.

With those definitions and information in mind, here are 13 iconic musicians knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.