Catherine, Princess of Wales - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
The Princess of Wales and her husband, Prince William, have been “enormously touched” by the messages of support received since she announced her cancer diagnosis, a Kensington Palace spokesperson has said.
Catherine said on Friday she was undergoing preventive chemotherapy after tests done following her major abdominal surgery in January revealed cancer had been present.
The 42-year-old wife of the heir to the throne called the cancer discovery a “huge shock”. The news came as a fresh health blow to the British royal family: King Charles is also undergoing treatment for cancer.
Kate’s statement via a video message, which was filmed at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, triggered an outpouring of support from well-wishers.
“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’s message,” the Kensington Palace spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday.
“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.”
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.
The palace said Catherine started her chemotherapy treatment in late February. It is understood her public announcement of the news was timed to coincide with the children breaking up from school for the Easter holidays.
The palace said Catherine had wished to provide a medical update in order to put an end to the speculation sparked by her admission to the London Clinic on 16 January for major abdominal surgery. At the time, the palace refused to confirm what Catherine was being treated for, but said the condition was non-cancerous.
The speculation was only fuelled when the first official photograph of the Princess of Wales to be released after her surgery was recalled by some of the world’s biggest picture agencies earlier this month over claims it had been manipulated.
With Reuters and Press Association