'Please do not lose faith or hope': Cancer patients praise Kate for her inspiring message as she promises, 'You are not alone' and tells them, 'I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected'

Cancer patients have praised the Princess of Wales for her inspiring message of hope after it was revealed she is undergoing chemotherapy to treat cancer.

The princess's message in which said 'You are not alone', delivered at 6.00pm today, will have struck a chord with millions of others whose lives have been blighted by the disease.

Among them, Delblu76 wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Princess Kate... Such a brave speech because your own diagnosis is always so hard to talk about - I know from my own experiences.

'Your words were wonderful. Hard as it is at times, keep fighting for all of us.'

Labour MP Chris Bryant said: ' I know from my experience of melanoma that cancer is a bugger but science and medicine have made such advances that it needn't inspire fear.' 

Sitting on a bench at Windsor, surrounded by spring flowers, the Princess of Wales has taken the extraordinary step of revealing to the world that she has cancer

The princess's message in which said 'You are not alone', delivered at 6.00pm today, will have struck a chord with millions of others whose lives have been blighted by the disease

The princess's message struck a chord with many other people whose lives had also been affected by cancer

Priya Khanchandani tweeted: 'I hope Kate will now finally be left alone after all the fuss over the silly photoshopping. As a fellow abdominal cancer survivor, all the zero-evidence theories have been nauseating to read and in hindsight, cruel.' 

Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, Michelle Mitchell said: 'On behalf of everyone at Cancer Research UK, I wish Her Royal Highness a full, swift recovery and return to good health. 

'During this difficult time, it's important that the Princess is given the time and space to focus on her treatment and that we respect the family's privacy. 

'Nearly one in two of us will develop cancer during our lifetimes, but many more are affected when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to research there is hope - cancer survival has doubled in the last 50 years. 

'High profile cancer cases often act as a prompt to encourage people to find out more or think about their own health. If people spot something that's not normal for them or isn't going away, they should check with their GP. 

'It probably won't be cancer. But if it is, spotting it at an early stage means treatment is more likely to be successful.'

Princess Kate revealed the news in an emotional video message that was broadcast on Friday evening.

She said: 'I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.

'It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I've had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

'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 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.

At points the future queen was highly emotional as she spoke of her illness and her family and telling her children she will 'be ok'

Kate had a message for fellow cancer sufferers, telling them: 'You are not alone'

The video was filmed in the grounds of Windsor Castle on Wednesday

The Princess of Wales with her children in her Mother's Day portrait, which now has added significance given her diagnosis

Catherine's emotional and extraordinary words in her unprecedented video message

'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.'

Touching, the princess offered words of hope to others whose lives have been touched by cancer, adding:  'At this time, I am also thinking of 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.' 

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.

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'.

READ MORE: 'I tell George, Charlotte and Louis, I am well and getting stronger every day': Princess of Wales reveals how she reassures her young children that mummy will be ok amid her cancer battle 

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

 

This evening's announcement will send shockwaves around the world and came after weeks of speculation - and wild conspiracy theories - about her health. 

It also creates a fresh crisis for the British Royal Family at a time where King Charles is also battling cancer. In January Sarah, the Duchess of York, was diagnosed with skin cancer, just six months after being treated for breast cancer.

The princess is now on what has been described as a 'recovery pathway' having commenced a course of chemotherapy in late February.

It is for this reason that Prince William pulled out of a memorial service for his late godfather, King Constantine of Greece.

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.'

It is understood that the announcement was made tonight not because of unpleasant social media speculation about her health and whereabouts – although that has been upsetting - but because her children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, broke up from school today, which gave them the opportunity to take them away privately and protect them from the inevitable public shock.

In her video statement the Princess, dressed casually in a stripped Breton top and jeans, said: 'I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery. It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I've had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

'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 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. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.

'We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.'

Even amidst her own personal anguish, there was a message for fellow cancer sufferers: 'At this time, I am also thinking of 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.'

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

The Princess of Wales said her family (pictured together on December 25) 'need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment'

Kate's cancer battle in her own words: The Princess of Wales' emotional video statement in full 

I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.

It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I've had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

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 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.

Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.

We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.

At this time, I am also thinking of 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.

A source said this has been a 'real shock' for the couple and they have needed to take time to process the news personally and bring their young children to a place that they could 'process this news about their mother'.

They have always wanted to shield them from the inevitable coverage her diagnosis will cause.

However she does have a very positive approach to her recovery and a positive mindset moving forwards.

A spokesman for the princess said: 'We will not be sharing any further private medical information. The Princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do.'

However her spokesman confirmed: 'The Princess is now on a recovery pathway having commenced a course of preventative chemotherapy…in late February.'

The palace will not confirm how long her treatment is expected to last and has asked the media and public not to speculate.

It also said it would not confirm where her treatment would be taking place, a spokesman adding: 'We will not be sharing any further private medical information. The Princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do.'

Asked when the princess was given the news by her doctors, a spokesman explained: 'Once post-operative tests had been completed and results reviewed.'

They added: 'The Princess wanted to share this information when she and The Prince felt it was right for them as a family. '

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.

Kate at her 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 8

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

The Princess of Wales arrives at the Shaping Us National Symposium at the Design Museum on November 15

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.

READ MORE: How William discovered Kate had cancer just before he was due to attend King Constantine of Greece's memorial service at St George's Chapel, and pulled out with moments to spare 

Prince William, pictured here in Sheffield on Tuesday this week, learnt his wife Kate had cancer not long before he was due to attend a memorial service for King Constantine of Greece

 

However it has been confirmed that the family will not be going to church at Windsor at Easter.

It is understood that Catherine wanted the time and space to come to terms with her diagnosis, to recover from her surgery and to then begin her pathway to recovery.

Throughout this period, her and William's three young children have been their priority.

They wanted to be able to tell them at a time that was right for them and to allow them to understand and process the news before it became public, it is understood.

With the children now away from school on their Easter holidays, the couple feel now is the right time to share their update.

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.

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. 

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

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.

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.

A source added 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 and now needs to take the time and space to complete her treatment and make a full recovery.

A running commentary on Kate's health is not expected as she will need the time, space and privacy to fully recover.

It is expected that the Prince of Wales will carry out engagements when their children return to school after the Easter holidays.

It would be likely that Kensington Palace will only provide further updates on Kate's plans to return to public events when the time is deemed appropriate.

Kate's own views on whether she wants to attend events and if she feels able to, along with medical advice, would form part of the decision-making process.

It should also be expected that any initial public events will not necessarily signal a return to a regular public schedule.  

The princess is known for being fit, sporty and competitive at team games.

She enjoys playing tennis and is a fan of cold water swimming.

Kate has also been the royal patron of English rugby since 2022.

In an interview last September with former rugby international Mike Tindall, who is married to her husband's cousin Zara, she said her family were 'always active'.

'I suppose as a family we were just very active,' she said.

'And I can always remember being physical, using our bodies, whether it's walking, climbing the lake district in Scotland... swimming from a young age.

'(My parents) always encouraged us to be physically active and sporty and they always encouraged us into doing team sports and trying things.'

Kate also revealed that she enjoys cold water swimming.

'Cold swimming - the colder, the better. I absolutely love it,' she said.

'Slightly to the point where William's (saying) 'You're crazy' and it's dark and it's raining.

'I will go and seek out cold water. I love it.'

Kate has carefully carved out her charity work since marrying the prince in 2011 and becoming an HRH.

Gradually and patiently developing her role over the years, she has focused on mental health and the early years of childhood, and is known to meticulously research the issues facing the charities she works with.

Family life is also sacrosanct to Kate - mother to 10-year-old George, Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Louis.

She remains close to her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and siblings Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, and had a happy home life growing up.

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born to the Middletons at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading on January 9 1982.

She was christened at the parish church of St Andrew's Bradfield in Berkshire on June 20 the same year.

Amman in Jordan was home to Kate and her family for a few years in the mid-1980s, where she attended a nursery school from the age of three, before the family returned to Berkshire.

At 13, she went to the exclusive private Marlborough College in Wiltshire, where she part-boarded.

She graduated in 2005 with a 2:1 in history of art from St Andrews University, where she met and began dating William, whom she married at Westminster Abbey in 2011.

She was dubbed 'Waity Katie' for her patience during their long courtship, and was described by William in their engagement interview as having 'a really naughty sense of humour'.

A keen photographer, the princess usually takes the publicly released photos of her children to mark their birthdays.

Kate was pictured earlier this month with her children in a photograph posted on social media on Mother's Day, which was said to have been taken by William.

The photograph was later withdrawn with a 'Kill' notice by international picture agencies hours later because of suspicions it had been digitally altered.

William pulled out of King Constantine of Greece's memorial service at St George's Chapel because of Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis 

Prince William found out his wife Kate had cancer before he pulled out of attending King Constantine of Greece's memorial service.

The Prince of Wales's absence from the St George's Chapel event at Windsor Castle on February 27 had raised eyebrows, but tonight's revelation about the princess's health has shed new light on why he stayed away.

Kate had only just been diagnosed with cancer ahead of beginning chemotherapy, it was revealed tonight - after Buckingham Palace had initially said the previous month her condition was non-cancerous.

Royal aides are now expected to rally around William all the more as he steps back from frontline duties and looks after the couple's children as his wife recuperates.

The prince has already been adjusting his royal duties to devote even more time to his family after Kate was first admitted to the London Clinic in January.

Prince William, pictured here in Sheffield on Tuesday this week, learnt his wife Kate had cancer not long before he was due to attend a memorial service for King Constantine of Greece

Prince Andrew led the way as other Royal Family members attended the event on February 27

The couple have both been dedicated to doing their fair share of the school run each morning and afternoon since their three children began attending £24,000-a-year Lambrook School near Ascot in Berkshire in September 2022.

The co-ed institution is not far from the family's Frogmore Cottage home on the Windsor estate - and is also convenient for visits by the princess's parents.

Carole and Michael Middleton live just 33 miles away in Bucklebury, Berkshire, and the strong mother-daughter bond has been a key feature of troubled recent months.

Kate's siblings Pippa, 40, and James, 36, are also close at hand in Bucklebury. 

William's decision not to attend the memorial service for King Constantine came as a surprise at the time, with the reason described as 'personal reasons'.

Also missing was his father King Charles, himself receiving treatment for cancer.

Queen Camilla was instead the most senior member of the Royal Family in attendance, with William's uncle Prince Andrew also enjoying a prominent role as he led fellow royals on foot to the service.

Constantine was the godfather of William, who is said to have called the Greek royal family to apologise for not being there. 

Britain's Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York, smiling while arriving at the memorial service for King Constantine of Greece on February 27

Prince William and Kate Middleton with King Constantine at Windsor Castle in 2012

King Constantine (left) pictured after Prince William's confirmation as one of his godparents

King Constantine attends church with Charles and Camilla at Sandringham in 2007

The Prince was due to read from Revelation 21:1-7, a popular reading for funerals that begins 'Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth'.

He had cleared his diary of official duties to help support Kate's recovery, although did visit a homelessness charity's base in Sheffield on Tuesday this week.

The couple were seen being driven from Windsor on March 11, although only William attended that afternoon's Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in central London while Kate continued on to a private appointment elsewhere.

Their children Prince George, 10, eight-year-old Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, five, all attend Lambrook School which starts its summer term on April 17. 

Royal experts have said the parents chose Lambrook because they wanted their children to have a 'different kind of schooling' to their own. 

George and Charlotte were previously pupils at Thomas's Battersea while Louis attended Willcocks Nursery in Kensington, both schools in London.

William and Kate were pictured strolling into Lambrook School's grounds hand-in-hand with their children for their first day there in September 2022.

They are believed to have been sharing 'school run' duties but William has now been taking on more responsibilities - as have Kate's parents Carole, 69, and Michael, 74.