Alert – Kate Middleton cancer diagnosis latest news: Prayers for the princess after announcement unites public in good wishes for the royal

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Experts on child mental health have praised the Princess of Wales in facing the ‘unenviable task’ of telling her children about her cancer diagnosis.

University of Oxford associate professors Louise Dalton and Elizabeth Rapa stressed the importance of speaking honestly to children and young people about serious illness.

The academics, whose area of research specifically focuses on talking to children about serious illness, praised Kate for her ‘powerful and personal announcement’ which highlighted the challenging conversation facing millions of parents around the globe.

William and Kate have focused on their children, taking the time to sensitively share the state of the princess’s health with Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.

Young Fathers’ Teenage Cancer Trust gig is ‘even more significant’ in light of the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis, said the evening’s host Laura Whitmore.

On Friday, Kate revealed she is undergoing treatment for cancer in an emotional video message, and told others battling the disease ‘you are not alone’.

Following the news, former Love Island host Whitmore, 38, told the crowd at the Royal Albert Hall: ‘In the past hour, it’s (the charity event) become even more significant with the Princess of Wales announcing she has cancer.

‘It’s something that no matter who you are, you’ll either be affected yourself or you’ll know someone who’s been affected.

‘For us here at the Teenage Cancer Trust, seven young people today will have been told the words ‘You have cancer’.’

She added: ‘Every young person facing cancer feels scared, not just for them but for their families as well.’

The hip-hop group, who hail from Scotland, performed alongside a jubilant choir on Friday evening in a high-octane performance that included flashing lights that flooded the stage.

The Waleses will not join other royals for the traditional Easter service in Windsor as the young family seek time and space to come to terms with Kate’s cancer diagnosis.

The public and royal watchers have been clamouring to know when the Princess of Wales will get back to official duties since having surgery in January.

But Kate, 42, revealed she is undergoing treatment for cancer in an emotional video message on Friday and there is no set timeline for her return to public life.

She said: ‘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.’

A Kensington Palace spokesman 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.’

The Prince of Wales is due to return to public duties after his children return to school following the Easter break, but the family will not appear at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel for the Easter Sunday service.

Kate was seen in public with her family on Christmas Day 2023, before undergoing surgery weeks later.

A Palace 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 nation has united behind Princess Kate with a massive surge of support for her after she revealed her shocking cancer diagnosis.

Celebrities, politicians and the British public have all sent the Princess of Wales their best wishes and vowed to pray for her recovery – after Kate said that she was in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy following her January visit to hospital for abdominal surgery.

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has said his thoughts are with the Princess of Wales following the news of her cancer diagnosis which was ‘so courageously shared’.

Mr Trudeau wrote on X, formerly Twitter: ‘My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, her children, and the entire Royal Family following the news of her cancer so courageously shared.

‘On behalf of Canadians, I’m sending my support as she undergoes treatment.

‘We’re all wishing her a swift recovery.’

French President Emmanuel Macron has said the Princess of Wales’s ‘strength and resilience inspire us all’.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Macron wrote: ‘Your Highness,

‘In this difficult period you are going through, Brigitte and I wish you a full recovery.

‘Your strength and resilience inspire us all.’

England manager Gareth Southgate has wished Kate Middleton well after the news about her cancer diaganosis.

Speaking before England’s Euro 2024 warm-up match with Brazil, Southgate said: ‘Clearly we’ve just heard about the Princess of Wales and we just wanted to send our thoughts and best wishes to her and all of her family.

‘It was a remarkably dignified statement that she gave and we obviously have a very close relationship with the family.

‘So we’re very upset to hear the news but hopefully everything goes well.’

The FA, which Prince WIlliam is a patron of, also offered their support, tweeting: ‘It was a remarkably dignified statement that she gave and we obviously have a very close relationship with the family.

‘So we’re very upset to hear the news but hopefully everything goes well.’

There has been a worldwide outpouring of sympathy for Prince William as members of the public shared their admiration for his dedication to his royal duties which he honoured as the King and Kate battled cancer.

The Prince of Wales has attended around a dozen royal engagements since pulling out of the memorial service for his godfather King Constantine of Greece due to his wife’s diagnosis on February 27.

And now people have expressed their best wishes for William as he supports Kate and his family while balancing his royal engagements as the future king.

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.

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 maternal uncle of the Princess of Wales said he hopes Kate’s cancer announcement ‘draws a line over the continued speculation and horrible conspiracies’ after weeks of public speculation about her health.

Gary Goldsmith said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter: ‘Let’s give Kate, William and the children time and show some love back.’

He also spoke of being ‘deeply upset’ over the timing of his feature in The Times magazine, which is set for publication on Saturday.

‘This interview and shoot was done over a week ago and went to print before I was aware of the sad news regarding my niece Kate.

‘My thoughts and prayers are with Kate and the wider family at this difficult time and deeply upset at the timing of this article.’

Goldsmith, who was the first contestant evicted from ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother, also confirmed he has pulled out of his appearance in the live final on Friday evening.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back into the limelight just hours before it was revealed the Princess of Wales has cancer.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were pictured at the Kinsey African American Art and History Collection’s event at SoFi Stadium yesterday as the couple have stepped up their public engagements.

Last week, Meghan launched her new lifestyle brand ‘American Riviera Orchard’ while Harry was announced to speak at the two-day Better Up Conference in San Francisco.

Harry and Meghan have released a statement where they say they wish ‘health and healing’ for Princess Kate and the family.

A spokesperson for the Sussexes said: ‘We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.’

Omid Scobie has deleted a tasteless screenshot of an alarm clock set for 6pm – the exact time Princess Kate released her heartbreaking statement revealing her cancer diagnosis – after a huge backlash.

The Endgame author, 42, this afternoon posted a screenshot to his followers on X, formerly Twitter, of an alarm clock app being set to 6pm at 4.59pm this afternoon – one hour before the public knew it was coming.

The head of Cancer Research UK has said the Princess of Wales must be given ‘time and space’ as she continues to undergo treatment for cancer.

Chief executive Michelle Mitchell said she wished Kate a ‘full, swift recovery and return to good health… during this difficult time’.

‘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,’ she continued.

‘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.’

News sites from across the globe have cleared their front pages to cover the Princess of Wales’ shocking health announcement.

The First Mininster of Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill has said she is ‘verry sorry’ to hear about The Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis.

On Twitter, formerly X, she posted this evening: ‘I am very sorry to hear the news of the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis.

‘I send her my best wishes and the strength for her treatment, and a full and speedy recovery.

‘A special word of thought to her young family at this challenging time.’

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has shared a message for The Princess of Wales on X, formerly Twitter.

He wrote: ‘Wishing Catherine, The Princess of Wales all possible strength and sending good wishes to her and her family for a full and rapid recovery.’

Kate’s brother James Middleton has posted this touching photo on Instagram.

He wrote: ‘Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.’

Just one in ten cancers are diagnosed in under-50s but cases are on the rise, data shows. Read the full story from ‘s health reporter Emily Stearn:

The King and Queen were told the news about Kate’s health beforehand and were aware she was preparing to issue her video message.

Experts and charities praised Kate’s decision to speak out, saying it will encourage others to seek help for their own potential cancer symptoms. Here’s the full story:

No edits were made to the Princess of Wales’s video message announcing her cancer diagnosis, it is understood.

The PA news agency has told it understands BBC Studios made no edits to the recording, had no editorial input into the message and were not involved in the finished film’s distribution.

Kate’s video address to the nation follows days of speculation after a ‘manipulated’ photo of the princess with her children was posted on social media.

BBC Studios said: ‘BBC Studios filmed a message from the Princess of Wales at Windsor this week. We would like to wish Her Royal Highness a speedy recovery.’

It is understood the production team were asked to film the message after working on broadcasts of the King’s coronation and the late Queen’s funeral.

According to its website, BBC Studios, the principal commercial arm of the BBC group, is responsible for generating revenue and profits which are returned to the BBC to support the licence fee.

Author and podcast host Giovanna Fletcher has sent the Princess of Wales and her family ‘so much love from me and mine’.

Kate appeared on Fletcher’s parenting podcast, Happy Mum Happy Baby, in 2020.

Commenting on a video posted to The Prince and Princess of Wales’ official Instagram account, Fletcher wrote: ‘Sending you and the family so much love from me and mine. Take all the time you need knowing there’s so much love and respect behind you.’

For many parents battling cancer, one of the hardest moments can be telling your children you have the disease. Read more from our senior health reporter John Ely:

Other politicians have been sending messages of support to the Princess of Wales this evening.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said: ‘Hoping that she has a speedy and complete recovery and privacy and calm while she does.’

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt added: ‘All my thoughts and prayers are with our courageous Princess of Wales.

‘Such incredibly tough news to break to three young children – let’s give them the space and privacy they need to protect their family and focus on getting better.”

And Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle sent well wishes on behalf of the House, saying Kate’s ‘candour will make such a difference to all those facing this dreadful disease’.

The Princess of Wales’s deeply moving message announcing she has cancer is just the latest instance of the royals opening up about health battles since the start of the King’s reign. Read the full story on :

A leading oncologist has said the Princess of Wales is ‘so brave’ for speaking about her cancer diagnosis ahead of more ‘difficult’ treatment.

Professor Pat Price, chair of Radiotherapy UK, said ‘fear of the unknown’ can be the ‘worst thing’ for those who find out they have the disease.

Speaking to BBC News, she added: ‘She is amazing. She’s got to go through some more treatment which will be difficult.

‘Once (cancer) is caught early, that’s usually when we can cure it.’

The private hospital where Kate was treated offers its own concierge, meat from Smithfields market and fish from Cornish boats, while counting Prince Philip, Liz Taylor and John F Kennedy as former patients.

Read ‘s story about the London Clinic by clicking here:

Former Love Island contestant Dr Alex George, who campaigns on mental health issues and hosted a panel discussion with The Prince and Princess of Wales last year, was among those wishing Kate a ‘speedy recovery’.

Commenting on a video posted to The Prince and Princess of Wales’ official Instagram account, George said: ‘Sending love and best wishes. You were so amazing when I met you for World Mental Health Day. I wish you a speedy recovery.’

Prof Andrew Beggs, consultant colorectal surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, said preventive chemotherapy was “a bit like mopping a floor with bleach when you’ve spilt something on it, chemotherapy kills any spilt cells”.

He said the timeframe for chemotherapy treatment was “hugely variable”, adding that it was given “traditionally between four and six ‘cycles’ (blocks) of chemo, each cycle lasting 21 days and consisting of a day or few days of chemo.”

He added there would then be “time for the body to recover from it, while the chemo keeps damaging the cancer cell. There are also some which are daily, some which are four-weekly, and some which are two-weekly.”

Side-effects of chemotherapy occur because healthy cells are damaged alongside any cancer cells. Treatment can therefore make people feel very tired and nauseous, and cause them to vomit and lose their hair.

Fans of the Princess of Wales have flooded social media with get well messages after her shock announcement that she is battling cancer. Read them in this article on :

Buckingham Palace said the King is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’.

Following their time in hospital together, the King has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.’

Both Charles and Camilla ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.’

The Princess of Wales’s cancer announcement marks the latest blow to the royal family over the past year, including the King also being diagnosed with the disease.

In February, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, which is not prostate cancer, that was discovered while the King was being treated at the private London Clinic for an enlarged prostate.

During a visit to Northern Ireland this week (pictured below), the Queen said the King is ‘doing very well’ and sent his ‘very, very best wishes’ to the First and deputy First Minister.

The King has postponed public-facing duties but is said to be continuing to work behind the scenes on his red boxes – his state business and official papers.

Sarah, Duchess of York, became the third royal in quick succession to announce a medical procedure at the beginning of 2024, when she revealed a diagnosis of malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

In late February, tragedy befell Prince Michael’s family when Thomas Kingston, the husband of Michael’s daughter, Lady Gabriella Windsor, died from a ‘catastrophic head injury’ with a gun close to his body.

The Prince of Wales pulled out of a memorial service for his godfather King Constantine of Greece following his wife’s cancer diagnosis, it is understood.

At the time of the service, Kensington Palace said William’s decision not to attend was due to a ‘personal matter’ but gave no further details.

The palace said the Princess of Wales was recovering from abdominal surgery and continuing to do well ahead of the memorial last month on February 27 (pictured).

William, who was due to deliver a reading, called the Greek royal family who attended the service in St George’s Chapel to let them know he was unable to attend. Constantine’s eldest son Crown Prince Pavlos stepped in to give the reading in his place.

William’s late godfather Constantine died at the age of 82 in January last year, decades after being toppled from the throne in a military coup. Constantine was also godfather to Prince and Princess of Michael of Kent’s daughter Lady Gabriella Kingston.

The Mail’s Royal Editor Rebecca English has just revealed Buckingham Palace has released a statement from King Charles, who says he is ‘so proud’ of Kate:

The Church of England has now issued a prayer for Kate’s ‘continued recovery’:

Omid Scobie this afternoon tastelessly posted a screenshot of an alarm clock set for 6pm – the exact time Princess Kate released her heartbreaking statement about her cancer. Read the full story on :

The top private hospital where the Princess of Wales was treated before her cancer diagnosis was investigated for a royal data breach this week.

Kate is being treated for cancer after undergoing abdominal surgery at The London Clinic on January 16 this year. Earlier this week the Daily Mirror reported that at least one worker at the clinic had looked at her medical records without authorisation.

A probe was launched into the hospital which has a longstanding history of treating royals, actors and politicians. The London Clinic’s chief executive, Al Russell said “all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken”.

The UK’s privacy and data watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), said: “We can confirm that we have received a breach report and are assessing the information provided.”

Kensington Palace declined to comment on the alleged incident, and we await the findings of the ongoing investigations.

The Princess of Wales is known for being fit, sporty and competitive at team games. She enjoys playing tennis and is a fan of cold water swimming.

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.’

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born to Carole and Michael Middleton 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.

The head of the NHS has said she is sorry to hear the ‘shocking news’ of the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis and has praised her bravery.

NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, said ‘speaking out about it is really brave’ and could help other people in a similar situation.

Ms Pritchard said in a statement: ‘On behalf of the NHS, I’m really sorry to hear this shocking news. Our thoughts are with the Princess of Wales and the Royal Family, especially while her treatment continues.

‘We know how difficult a diagnosis and treatment journey can be for patients and their families. Speaking out about it is really brave and it can help others to get worrying signs and symptoms checked.

‘If you’re worried about cancer, the NHS website has more information.’

Carole Middleton will be supporting Kate Middleton through her cancer treatment.

Carole and Michael, along with Kate’s siblings Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, have already been helping her at her home in Windsor, which is nearby their own properties. Read the full story on here:

Former prime minister Liz Truss said the ‘entire country’ will be wishing the Princess of Wales a speedy recovery.

In a post on X, the Tory MP said: ‘My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales and her family at this very difficult time.

‘The entire country will be wishing her a full and speedy recovery.’

Chemotherapy works by killing existing cancer cells and can help prevent the disease coming back.

There are many different types of chemotherapy, but the most common types are tablets and liquids that are put directly into the vein (intravenous chemotherapy).

Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery, or on its own. It can also be given in a palliative way, when the cancer has spread and chemotherapy is not being used to cure the disease, but it helps ease symptoms.

Chemotherapy can be used even when surgeons believe they have removed all the cancer, owing to the risk the disease might come back. This can lower the risk of a cancer recurrence or a new cancer.

Royal Family members have put on the bravest of faces in recent days, continuing with their public duty as normal, ahead of Kate’s announcement today.

Read about their recent engagements in this article on :

Sarika Patel, chairwoman of trustees at Action for Children, of which the Princess of Wales is patron, said staff were sending their ‘very best wishes’ to Kate.

She said: ‘The Princess of Wales is an amazing patron for Action for Children, always engaging with the children, young people and families she meets at our services.

‘We want her to know we are thinking of her at this very challenging time and send her our love and support.

‘Our staff join me in sending our very best wishes to her and her family and wish her a full recovery.’

The White House sent a message of support to Kate today, wishing her a full recovery after she revealed she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Read the full update from Washington by Rob Crilly, senior US political reporter for DailyMail.com:

The Daily Mail’s Diary Editor Richard Eden has praised Prince William for carrying on with his engagements in recent weeks. Follow Richard on X by clicking below:

The announcement by the Princess of Wales about her cancer was issued at 6pm today, two days after being filmed on Wednesday in Windsor by BBC Studios.

Gary Lineker and other members of the sporting world have sent their well wishes to the Princess of Wales after she announced she had been diagnosed with cancer. Read the full story on Mail Sport:

Sir Keir Starmer said the Princess of Wales has ‘the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too’ during this ‘distressing time’.

The Labour leader criticised ‘lurid speculation’ in relation to Kate as he stressed that she was entitled to privacy as she continues her treatment. Here is his statement:

Kate has paid tribute to the ‘strength and support’ of her husband William as it emerged he will return to royal duties after spending Easter with his family.

Read the full story and watch the video on :

Follow the Mail’s royal editor Rebecca English on X for all the latest updates:

Life can be so cruel sometimes, writes SARAH VINE. As if the King having cancer weren’t tragic enough, now this. The news that the Princess of Wales too is battling this cruel disease is almost too much to bear. I know cancer doesn’t discriminate – but this just seems so horribly unfair.

Read her full piece by clicking below:

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan posted on X: ‘On behalf of Londoners, I wish the Princess of Wales a swift recovery as she undergoes treatment. My thoughts are with her and her family.

‘Cancer has an impact on so many of us – and her bravery in sharing her diagnosis will help raise awareness and encourage others to get checked.’

It remains to be seen whether Prince Harry will fly back to the UK to be with the Princess of Wales after she announced her shock cancer diagnosis.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, described Kate as the ‘big sister I never had’ when she became engaged to William 11 years ago, but their relationship has fractured following the bitter aftermath of Megxit.

Harry returned almost immediately to London last month when his father King Charles phoned him to inform his son about his own cancer diagnosis, before the pair had a brief meeting at Clarence House. Read the full story on :

No. The Wales family will not be attending the annual Easter Sunday church service.

They were last pictured together at a royal event at Sandringham, for the Christmas Day church service last year:

The Princess of Wales is expected to 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.

The Princess of Wales has touchingly revealed how she is reassuring her young children amid her battle with cancer after the announcement she is fighting the disease.

The mother-of-three says she and Prince William have explained the situation to their children George, Charlotte and Louis, after the ‘huge shock’ of her diagnosis.

Kate said had told them she is doing ‘well and getting stronger every day’ and that she was ‘focusing on the things that will help me heal’. Read the full story on :

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.

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.

Rishi Sunak praised the Princess of Wales’s ‘tremendous bravery’ after she announced she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

The Prime Minister said Kate had been ‘unfairly treated’ and ‘subjected to intense scrutiny’ in recent weeks and called for her to be given the privacy to focus on her recovery and be with her family. Here is his statement:

The Princess of Wales today said she was ‘going to be OK’ as she bravely opened up about her cancer diagnosis. Here, details her health history.

It is understood that the Princess 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, Kate 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.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have both been informed of their ‘beloved daughter in law’ Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis .

The King is continuing his battle with cancer as the Princess of Wales revealed she is also fighting the disease. Read the full story on :

It is understood that the announcement about Kate was not made tonight because of unpleasant social media speculation about her health and whereabouts – although that has been upsetting and unpleasant for the Princess.

The reason given for the scheduling of the announcement was 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 a brave address to the nation, Kate shared an incredible and inspirational message of hope to fellow cancer sufferers, telling them: ‘Please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.’

She thanked the public for their ‘wonderful messages of support’ and said that having her husband William by her side was a ‘great source of comfort and reassurance’.

Read and watch the Princess of Wales’s statement in full by clicking below:

Kensington Palace say they will not be sharing details of what kind of cancer the Princess of Wales has, or what stage of cancer it is, and has strongly asked people not to speculate.

The Princess of Wales has been diagnosed with cancer after two months of recuperation at home following major abdominal surgery.

Kate’s absence from public life as she convalesced had led to wild theories about her wellbeing, despite her being photographed four times in less than three weeks.

Now, today’s announcement revealed she has had ‘preventative’ chemotherapy – and it comes after King Charles III was diagnosed with cancer last month.

Here, looks back at the last few months of royal news that led up to the dramatic news issued by Kensington Palace today:

The Princess of Wales’ cancer was discovered only after she underwent major abdominal surgery at the London Clinic in January.

At the time 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’.

The Princess of Wales has announced she is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, saying in an emotional video message: ‘I am well and getting stronger every day.’

Here is the full story from ‘s chief reporter Martin Robinson:

The Princess of Wales has just announced that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing ‘preventative’ chemotherapy.

In a deeply emotional video message, filmed at Windsor on Wednesday, Kate revealed the news had come as a ‘huge shock’.

Follow throughout this evening for all the latest news on the dramatic announcement.