As the sun began to set outside Kensington Palace on Friday, shock and sadness set in after the announcement that the Princess of Wales was receiving treatment for cancer.

Shortly after the news was announced at 6pm, people began to take out their phones to read the news and stop to take pictures of the Prince and Princess of Wales’s residence.

Laila Cunningham, 42, said: “It’s shock and sadness really. My sister passed away two years ago at a young age so it’s very sad to see Kate go through that. I wish her a speedy recovery.

“It’s brave of her to come out and announce her diagnosis shortly after King Charles came out and said that he also had cancer. It must be a tough time for the family, especially for William with his father and wife both receiving treatment for cancer.”

Before the announcement, the Princess of Wales had not made a public appearance since late last year after receiving abdominal surgery, prompting concern and wild speculation about her whereabouts and condition.

A picture of Catherine and her children was released on Mother’s Day but was retracted by picture agencies after edits were discovered. The Princess of Wales later apologised for editing the pictures.

“I think social media is what it is, people speculate. I don’t think she even saw it probably,” Cunningham, who is a city of Westminster conservative councillor, added.

Suveer Arora, 66, said: “It seems like after the Queen’s passing, it’s been bad news, one after another. It’s like it’s all tumbling down. It’s very sad.

“It’s very sad, especially when you’re a young mum. Cancer impacts so many people.”

“We were very sad about the way Harry and Meghan were treated. It sounds like a house of cards falling down,” she added.

Surekha Arora, 71, said: “Every family needs to be together. Forgive and forget. Cancer is so sad at any age.”

The type of cancer Catherine has been diagnosed with has not been disclosed by the palace.