The UK's Prince William and Princess Kate are said to be “enormously touched” and “extremely moved” by the public’s warmth and support following Kate’s cancer announcement.
Kate, 42, revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy in an emotional video message on Friday.
There has been a global outpouring of support, including from the King, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, political figures and members of the public.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said on Saturday: “The prince and princess are both enormously 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 extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time.”
Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer in February, is said to be proud of his “beloved” daughter-in-law for her courage in speaking about her treatment and has remained in close contact during the past few weeks.
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 form of cancer has not been disclosed, but the future queen began a course of “preventative chemotherapy” late in February, and is said to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as “well and getting stronger every day”.
William and Kate have focused on their children, taking the time to sensitively share the state of the princess’s health with Prince George, Prince Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Hashtags including “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, told PA: “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 unbelievably 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.”
Political leaders of all sides expressed sympathy and support for Kate and criticised what Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described as the “intense scrutiny” she has faced from social media and sections of the media around the world.
My thoughts go out to The Princess of Wales, The Prince of Wales and their three young children at this time.
The strength of The Princess - speaking so frankly, with all the pressures of publicity and bringing up a young family - is remarkable and is rightly admired around the…— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 23, 2024
Lord David Cameron, the UK foreign secretary said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “The strength of the princess – speaking so frankly, with all the pressures of publicity and bringing up a young family – is remarkable and is rightly 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 may end weeks of intense speculation and conspiracy theories on social media about the whereabouts and health of the future queen.
Rumours online about Kate intensified after William missed, at very short notice, the memorial service of his godfather the late King Constantine of Greece on February 27th.
It is now understood the prince’s decision not to attend was related to his wife’s condition, but it is not known when the princess was told about the positive test for cancer.
Further speculation was triggered after the princess admitted to “editing” her official Mother’s Day photograph which had irregularities.
A further development saw 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.
It is not known how long Kate will be receiving treatment, but it is understood she may be keen to attend events as and when she feels able to, in line with medical advice, although this will not indicate a return to full-time duties.
William will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since her operation.
The prince is due to return to public duties after his children return to school following the Easter break.
He and his wife will not attend 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 not likely to be a large family gathering or service, according to The Telegraph, as Charles has paused public-facing royal duties.
Charles has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early February after he was treated for an enlarged prostate at the same hospital where Kate had abdominal surgery.
