Stephen Colbert apologizes for Kate Middleton jokes before she revealed cancer diagnosis, wishes her recovery

 Comedian and late-night host Stephen Colbert apologized on his show Monday after Princess Kate Middleton announced she had cancer in a video message.

Middleton, 42, the subject of intense scrutiny and rumors online over her apparent absence from the public scene, told the world on Friday that she had undergone major surgery and been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

Colbert apologized for his jokes mocking Middleton on his show before the announcement.

"For the last six weeks to two months, everyone has been talking about the mystery of Kate Middleton's disappearance from public life," Colbert said on his show on Monday. "Two weeks ago, we made some jokes about that mystery and all the associates ... reporting about it."

"When I made those jokes, that upset some people, even before her diagnosis was revealed, and I can understand that," he said, adding that he had made similar jokes before. , who "has troubled people in the past."

"But there's a standard I try to hold myself to," Colbert said. "And that is, I don't make light of someone else's tragedy."

Kate Middleton returns to work on special project after recovering from surgery

Colbert said he hoped the Princess of Wales would make a speedy recovery.

“Now, I don't know whether her prognosis is tragic or not, she is the future Queen of England and I think she will get the best possible medical care, but whatever happens, I know, and I'm sure we have “Many people know that any type of cancer diagnosis is distressing for the patient and their family,” he said. "While I'm sure he doesn't need it from me, I and everyone here at 'The Late Show' want to express our best wishes and heartfelt hope that he has a speedy and complete recovery."

"The Princess will return to official duties when her medical team clears her to do so," a Kensington Palace spokesperson previously told Fox News Digital. "She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery."

According to a statement released by Buckingham Palace, King Charles III said he was "very proud of Catherine's courage in speaking out." He said that during this time he has maintained "the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law".