Kate Middleton has expressed gratitude to the public for their ‘warmth and support’ after revealing she is undergoing cancer treatment.
Both she and her husband, Prince William are reported to be ‘deeply moved’ and ‘very touched’ by the response to the emotional announcement on Friday evening.
Kate, 42, disclosed her undergoing of preventive chemotherapy in a video message on Friday , addressing months of speculation following undisclosed abdominal surgery in January.
A Kensington Palace representative stated yesterday: ‘The prince and princess are both deeply touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message.
‘They are very moved by the public’s warmth and support and are thankful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time.’
King Charles, who also received a cancer diagnosis this year, is said to be proud of his ‘beloved’ daughter-in-law for her bravery in speaking about her treatment and has remained in close contact during the past few weeks.
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Words of support also came from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who said: ‘We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.’
The type of cancer has not been revealed, but the future queen began a course of ‘preventive chemotherapy’ at the end of February, and is reported to have a positive attitude towards her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as ‘well and getting stronger every day’.
William and Kate have prioritized their children, taking the time to gently explain the princess’s health situation to Prince George, Prince Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Hashtags like ‘WeLoveYouCatherine’ and ‘GetWellSoonCatherine’ were trending on X, formerly Twitter, and well-wishers visited Windsor in Berkshire, on Saturday.
Linda Boby, from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, said: ‘It’s such a shock, she’s such a young lady and she deserves her privacy.’
Local Clementine Black, 49, a business consultant, said: ‘It’s incredibly upsetting that Kate has to come out and say this because of online speculation to be honest.’
Ann Anderson, 75, from Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, said: ‘My heart goes out to her, my heart goes out to William, hasn’t he been through enough? He really doesn’t need any more.’
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Political leaders of all sides expressed sympathy and support for Kate and criticized what Prime Minister Rishi Sunak referred to as the ‘intense scrutiny’ she has faced from social media and sections of the media around the world.
Lord David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary praised ‘the strength of the princess – speaking so openly, with all the pressures of publicity and raising a young family – is remarkable and is rightfully admired around the world.’
It is understood the video message, recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, was released on the day William and Kate’s three children began their Easter school holidays, to take advantage of the break to shield them from coverage of their mother’s health.
The announcement might put an end to weeks of strong guessing and conspiracy ideas on social media about the location and health of the future queen.
Talks online about Kate became more intense after William missed, with little notice, the memorial service of his godfather the late King Constantine of Greece on February 27.
It is now known that the prince's choice not to go was linked to his wife's condition, but it's unclear when the princess was informed about the positive cancer test.
More speculation was set off after the princess confessed to 'editing' her official Mother’s Day photograph that had irregularities.
A further development led to an investigation launched by the UK’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, into allegations there were attempts to access Kate’s private medical records at the London Clinic where she had her surgery.
The duration of Kate's treatment is unknown, but she may want to attend events as she feels able to, following medical advice, even though this does not mean a full return to duties.
William will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and carrying out his official duties as he has been doing since her operation.
The prince is expected to resume public duties after his children return to school following the Easter break.
He and his wife will not go to the royal family’s traditional Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel, which the King is hoping to go to with the Queen if his health allows.
It is unlikely to be a large family gathering or service, according to The Telegraph, as Charles has paused public-facing royal duties.
Charles has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early February after being treated for an enlarged prostate at the same hospital where Kate had abdominal surgery.
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