How the world found out about Kate's devastating cancer diagnosis: From an ashen-faced Sophie Raworth on the BBC and Charlene White on ITV to the foreign press's sombre reaction

These are the jaw-dropping moments when Britain's broadcasters broke Kate Middleton's cancer news. 

Shortly after 6pm this evening, the Princess of Wales revealed she was undergoing treatment for cancer in an emotional video message and told others battling the disease 'you are not alone'.

The princess was admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery on January 16 and at the time her condition was thought to be non-cancerous but tests after the successful operation found cancer, the type of which has not been disclosed.

The news broke immediately across all of the UK's major news channels including the BBC, Sky and ITV News.

Speaking on BBC News, Sophie Raworth said: 'At six, the Princess of Wales has just announced that she is undergoing treatment for cancer. 

Sophie Raworth revealing the moment the Princess of Wales has cancer on BBC News 

Charlene White from ITV News announcing the Princess of Wales's news at 6pm on Friday evening

Sky News newscaster Jonathan Samuels breaking the major royal news on Friday evening 

Krishnan Guru-Murthy from Channel 4 breaking Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis on Friday evening 

'Here now is a very personal message from her which has just been released in which she explains what has been happening in recent weeks.'

After the announcement on BBC News, viewers rushed to social media following the announcement to wish the Princess of Wales well.

One said: '#bbcnews #C4News Very sad news. Wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy..'

'Bless her. Beautifully delivered message,' another said. 

Meanwhile, ITV News's Charlene White, said: 'After months of speculation, the Princess of Wales announces she is being treated for cancer.'

Announcing the news, Sky News newscaster Jonathan Samuels said:  'At six o'clock, we start with a major update on the Princess of Wales. The Princess has announced she is receiving treatment for cancer. 

'Kate says the abdominal surgery she had in January was successful and at the time, her condition was believed to be non-cancerous. 

'However, tests carried out after that operation have revealed the presence of cancer and Kate started a course of preventative chemotherapy late last month. 

'Now tonight, she has released a personal video message, which we can bring to you now.'

NBC News in the United States breaking the Princess of Wales's cancer news on Friday night 

CNN with a correspondent outside Buckingham Palace in London just as the news was announced 

Meanwhile, over in the United States, NBC News announced the news whilst playing the Princess of Wales's recorded video clip. 

NBC said: 'Kensington Palace just released this video of Princess Kate announcing she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. '

ABC News said: 'Amid global concern in speculation, Princess Catherine has now revealed her personal health battle and why she kept it secret.

'The Princess of Wales released a video a short time ago sharing that she is being treated for cancer.'

Meanwhile, CBS News cut away from its March Madness coverage to broadcast Kate Middleton's statement revealing that she has cancer in a rare interruption from the network's NCAA programming.

The broadcaster had over five minutes left in Northwestern's game against Florida Atlantic on Friday afternoon when the news broke.

The intermission lasted a few minutes before returning to the game.

In the video, Kate spoke about the 'huge shock' of the medical development and how her family have experienced an 'incredibly tough couple of months' and at times her voice cracked with feeling.

The future Queen began a course of 'preventative chemotherapy' late in February but is said to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as 'well and getting stronger every day'.

The King, who is also being treated for cancer, and the Queen have been told about the state of the princess' health.

ABC News started by saying 'amid global concern in speculation' before addressing the Princess of Wales's news 

Al Jazeera, owned by the Qatari state, also immediately broke the royal news at around 6pm 

NewsNation, an American subscription television network owned by the Nexstar Media Group, also covered the news 

Speaking in the video message recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, the princess said: 'In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.

'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.

'This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this has taken time.'

It is understood the video 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.

Kate, who is casually dressed in the video and sitting on a bench, added: '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.

'As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.'

The announcement may go some way to ending weeks of intense speculation and conspiracy theories on social media about the whereabouts and health of the future Queen.

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.