As Owen Jones and more apologise over their Kate conspiracy theories, will her unprecedented statement 'so she and William could protect their family from public shock over Easter' stop cruel speculation?

As the world reels from the shock announcement that the Princess of Wales has cancer, royal sources say they hope weeks of cruel speculation will be brought to an end.

Princess Catherine told the nation on Friday that she was battling the disease after being diagnosed following major abdominal surgery in January, and was undergoing preventative chemotherapy on the advice of doctors.

The news sparked grovelling apologies from people who had taken part in cruel social media speculation in recent weeks, with the likes of left wing journalist Owen Jones and actress Blake Lively expressing their sorrow for ill-judged remarks.

Mother-of-three Kate said the last couple of months have been 'incredibly tough' as she tried to get to grip with the news and explain the difficult situation to her children.

Sources have said that the announcement was made because Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, broke up from school today, which gave Kate and Prince William the opportunity to take them away privately and protect them from the inevitable public shock.

However, aides also hope that the statement will put to bed unpleasant rumours about Catherine's health and whereabouts which has upset the family in recent weeks.

The Princess of Wales sits with her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for a photo released by Kensington Palace for Mother's Day this month

Left wing activist and journalist Owen Jones said he was 'very ashamed' for speculating about the Princess of Wales's whereabouts

The likes of Owen Jones and Blake Lively issued apologies on social media for ill-judged remarks over the last few weeks

A source said it had been 'an incredibly tough couple of months for the entire family' and it had been important for the princess to come to terms with her diagnosis, to recover form her surgery and begin her pathway to recovery.

Throughout this period the couple's children have been her priority.

It is understood that William and Kate wanted to tell their children at a time that was right for them and to allow them to understand and process the news before it became public.

With the children having broken up from Lambrook School today for the Easter holidays this afternoon, they decided that now was the right time to share the statement.

Sources say their concern recently, despite global and social media speculation, was to put Catherine's health and their children first.

It is now hoped, aides said, the speculation around the princess comes to a stop.

Catherine is apparently determined to go about her normal routine, which she sees as an important part of her recovery, and has asked for people to respect her privacy.

The news has sparked anger directed towards those who have spread rumours about her wellbeing, and in some cases, self-recriminations among those who took part in the speculation.

Left wing activist and journalist Owen Jones tweeted: 'As someone who speculated on this without considering it could be a serious health condition, I'm very ashamed to be honest, and all the very best to her.'

Blake Lively issued a grovelling apology for an ill-advised jibe about photoshop before Catherine's diagnosis was revealed.  

Writing on Instagram, she said: 'I'm sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this. I made a silly post around the 'photoshop fails' frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today. I'm sorry. Sending love and well wishes to all, always.' 

The Princess of Wales is seen attending the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London on December 8, in what was one of her last public engagements before undergoing major abdominal surgery

Police stand guard outside The London Clinic on January 28, where Kate underwent surgery and where she was diagnosed with cancer

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told Sky News: 'I hope those social media trolls who are peddling such ghastly theories will realise what they have done.

'Her absolute priority will be those three children.'

Dr Jay Verma, president of the GP Section at the Royal Society of Medicine, said: ‘This is a difficult enough process for anyone without having to contend with constant speculation and what has been some outrageous conspiracy theories on social media.’ 

One person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: ' To all the people who have attacked the royal family or created chaos around all of this, I hope you feel ashamed. Princess Kate has been diagnosed with cancer. One again all your ridiculous conspiracy theories were wrong like they usually are and you have done more harm than good. Get well soon!'

Someone else said: 'I hope all those who spent months inventing and sharing mad conspiracy theories now feel utterly ashamed that they were adding to distress of a woman diagnosed with cancer, and whose first responsibility was to her children.'

Another added: 'To all of you trolls who have been spreading misinformation about Princess Kate, I hope you're feeling thoroughly ashamed of yourselves now.'

There has been a backlash on social media against those who spread conspiracy theories surrounding Kate's whereabouts

Pictured: The Princess of Wales attends the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey with her husband Prince William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis, on December 8 last year

Pictured: The Princess of Wales holding the hand of her daughter Charlotte as she walks to Christmas Day service in Sandringham, Norfolk, alongside her sons George and Louis, her husband Prince William and Mia Tindall on December 25, last year

Kensington Palace have said they understand the worldwide interested the princess's announcement would generate but have stressed that they will only provide an update when there is something significant to say in order to allow her to continue her treatment in private.

A spokesman said: 'Their Royal Highnesses understand the interest this update will generate and are grateful for the public support they have received throughout this period. 

'Kensington Palace will provide information, when the time is right, and The Princess is able to restart work and her duties. In the meantime, we would ask that the family's privacy is respected.'

 The Mail understands that Prince William will carry out engagements when the children return to school after the Easter holidays.

A spokesman said: 'The Prince will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year.

A source emphasised that this has been a difficult period for the Wales family. William has been focused on supporting his wife and children, while continuing to undertake engagements and work, and is extremely grateful for the support from the public.

The princess will remain out of the public eye for the time being.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen together last week as William went to the The Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey

Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the opening of Evelina London's new children's day surgery unit on December 5

Kate's cancer diagnosis was the reason that Prince William pulled out of a memorial service for his late godfather, King Constantine of Greece (pictured)

Kensington Palace said: 'The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.'

It is understood she may be keen to attend events as and when she feels able to, in line with medical advice. Any initial public events will not necessarily signal a return to a regular public schedule.

It has not been confirmed whether the princess is being treated on the NHS or privately.

However in selecting healthcare providers for The Princess, a balance of factors would have been considered by her medical team.

These include the most appropriate specialists for the condition, and the potential impact on other patients or on the resources of their healthcare providers and the privacy and security of the princess.

Catherine's cancer was discovered only after she underwent major abdominal surgery at The London Clinic in January. 

At the time of her abdominal surgery in January, Kensington Palace said that it was non-cancerous. They have confirmed again tonight that is the case and that no tests had confirmed the presence of cancer. However post-operative tests subsequently found that cancer 'had been present'. 

Kensington Palace has strongly asked people not to speculate on what cancer she has.

However they say that she is in 'good spirits and focused on her recovery'.

'She is hugely grateful to the medical team for the care they are providing to her,' a spokesman said. 'She now needs time, space and privacy to complete her treatment and make a full recovery.'

The King – who is also currently undergoing cancer treatment himself – and the Queen were both been informed of the news. 

In a statement tonight His Majesty said he is 'so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did' and remains in the 'closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law'. 

The King and Queen said they 'will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time'.

It is not known if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were told in advance of the 6pm announcement. 

Harry, who once described Kate as the 'big sister I never had' and fondly called her 'Cath', is estranged from his brother and sister-in-law. It remains to be seen whether he will fly back to the UK to see her.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the Princess of Wales has 'the love and support of the whole country' as her cancer battle was revealed this evening and good wishes came in from around the globe, including from the White House where Joe Biden is 'incredibly sad to hear of the news'. Her bravery at revealing her cancer to the world has also been praised.