In a deeply emotional video message, filmed at Windsor on Wednesday, Catherine revealed the news had come as a ‘huge shock’ and that she and William ‘have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family’.
It came days after she was seen smiling with Prince William as they left their favourite farm shop close to their Windsor home, and she said her husband had been ‘a great source of comfort and reassurance’ during her cancer fight.
Speaking from a bench surrounded by daffodils and spring blossom, the future queen said: ‘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.’
Catherine’s cancer was discovered only after she underwent major abdominal surgery at The London Clinic in January. Kensington Palace has said it will not be sharing details of what kind of cancer the princess has, or what stage of cancer it is and has asked people not to speculate.
It is understood that the King – who is also currently undergoing cancer treatment himself – and the Queen have both been informed of the news.
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 world, including from the White House.
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
At points the future queen was highly emotional as she spoke of her illness and her family
The Princess of Wales with her children in her Mother’s Day portrait, which now has added significance given her diagnosis
