(NewsNation) — Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy following an absence from the public eye and royal duties.

NewsNation anchor Nichole Berlie spoke about her own cancer diagnosis and the strength Kate is showing by talking to the world.

“I know firsthand when you’re diagnosed with cancer, you feel initially like you don’t have control,” said Berlie. “You feel like your life is now out of your hands. And so it’s so important to feel like you have some semblance of control.”

Middleton said she underwent abdominal surgery for a condition believed to be noncancerous at the time but later found out that was incorrect.

“What I am taking from this message is that she (Princess Kate) is sitting there, she’s alone, but she is being brave enough to make this announcement,” said Berlie. “She’s not going through a press release from the palace. She is taking control and truly telling the world, which takes so much courage.”