The couple shared that they are “extremely moved” by the outpouring of support from around the globe and continued to ask for privacy in a new statement from a Kensington Palace spokesperson.
A day after Kate, the Princess of Wales, shared a video explaining she was undergoing treatment for her illness, which was discovered following planned abdominal surgery in January, the pair said they were grateful for the well wishes.
“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,” the statement said.
“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.”
Commentators believe the statement is the last the public will hear from the couple for a while, and say Kate’s initial announcement was carefully timed. With school heading on break for the Easter holidays, it allowed the couple to offer their children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, privacy while they grapple with the news becoming public.
They are expected to spend the time at their family home in Norfolk.
In the initial video message shared by Kate, she shared the “incredibly tough” couple of months the entire family had been through but said she was thankful for a “fantastic” medical team caring for her.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” the Princess shared in the video clip posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram.
“The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
She explained part of the reason for her absence from public view since then was to “process” and manage the news privately for the sake of their young family.
“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.”
She shared that having her husband by her side was a great source of comfort and reassurance and sent her thoughts to all those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
“For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
