The Princess of Wales has thanked people around the world for their messages of support after she bravely revealed her cancer battle.
Kate and devoted husband Prince William said they had been “enormously touched” following Kate’s revelation she is having chemotherapy. Today they were seen for the first time since the announcement, boarding a helicopter near their home in Windsor. It is believed they were heading to their Anmer Hall home in Norfolk, where they are expected to spend the Easter school holidays with their children George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five.
A spokesman said: “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.”
The King, who aims to lead the family in a show of unity on Easter Sunday, has spoken of his pride in his beloved daughter-in-law for her courage in speaking out. Royal sources said Charles, who is also fighting the disease after being diagnosed in February, is hoping to make the journey to St George’s Chapel in Windsor next weekend to reassure the public amid incredibly testing times for the royals.
We can also exclusively reveal Charles, 75, has recorded an Easter message of hope, to be broadcast on Maundy Thursday at Worcester Cathedral. Queen Camilla will lead The Firm at the Royal Maundy Service, to give the Royal Maundy gifts on behalf of her husband. Kensington Palace issued a special message of thanks as well wishes poured in from around the world, including from heads of state, charity bosses and Kate’s own family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not informed ahead of the Princess of Wales ’ public statement regarding her cancer diagnosis. A spokesman said: “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.”
In an emotional and heartfelt televised statement broadcast on Friday evening, the Princess of Wales confirmed her cancer diagnosis at the age of just 42. The mum of three bravely spoke of “an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family”, as she revealed the heartbreaking moment she and William contemplated breaking the news to their young children.
The princess did not reveal what type of cancer she is suffering from, but confirmed she has begun a course of preventative chemotherapy, which started in February. Kensington Palace said Kate continued to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits. The princess said she had assured her children that she is “well and getting stronger every day”.
With the head of state and the future Queen both receiving treatment for cancer, the Royal Family faces an uncertain period. But the monarchy is expected to rally round to support those at the heart of the institution. A royal source said: “The King has been keeping in touch with the Princess of Wales from the moment she was admitted to hospital in January and throughout her current cancer treatment. He is utterly determined to put on a show of unity for his family and reassure the public and wider world the monarchy is stable, despite the current tumultuous period.”
The monarch has reduced his duties and public appearances while he undergoes weekly treatment for cancer, which was revealed after he was admitted to hospital in January because of an enlarged prostate. In his first public statement last month since his cancer diagnosis, Charles expressed gratitude to the public for their support, saying it brought him “the greatest comfort and encouragement”.
Kate’s video message, watched by millions of people around the world, has also been signalled as a message of hope for those battling the disease. Sitting outside on a bench, in front of a spring backdrop of daffodils, the princess described her plight as “a huge shock” and confirmed she had, together with her William, 41, personally broken the news to their children – but told them: “I am going to be ok.”
Kate was admitted to hospital on January 16 for major abdominal surgery, which has been confirmed as successful. At the time of her operation it was thought that the condition was non-cancerous, as no tests had confirmed the presence of cancer. But post-operative tests confirmed that cancer had been present. Rumours online about Kate intensified after William, at very short notice, pulled out of a memorial service for his god-father, the late King Constantine of Greece.
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. More speculation was triggered after the princess admitted editing her official Mother’s Day photo which had irregularities. Kate has also been reeling over allegations three trusted staff members at The London Clinic where she and the King were patients in January, tried to access her private medical records.
In her brave address recorded by the BBC in Windsor on Wednesday, the princess spoke stoically to issue a message of hope for those also facing their own battle, saying: “For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
After her message, the King heralded her courage for making the public declaration. Buckingham Palace said: “His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’. Following their time in hospital together, His Majesty has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks’.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not informed ahead of the Princess of Wales’ public statement regarding her cancer diagnosis. In a statement, Meghan and Harry said: "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace."