Support from around the globe has been pouring in for Kate, the Princess of Wales, following her candid revelation in a video message that she is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer after major abdominal surgery.
The princess's emotional video detailed the “huge shock” and the “incredibly tough couple of months” her family has endured since her diagnosis.
Kate mentioned that she and William have been trying to manage this privately for the sake of their young family.
“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," she added, referring to her three young children.
Kate, aged 42, did not disclose the type of cancer discovered after her “major” abdominal surgery.
She shared that she is now in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy and is “getting stronger every day.”
Kate revealed that it had been believed her condition was non-cancerous until post-surgery tests revealed the diagnosis.
The announcement is expected to reduce the intense speculation and conspiracy theories about her health that have circulated on social media since her hospitalization in mid-January for unspecified abdominal surgery.
Messages of support flooded in on social media, with hashtags like “WeLoveYouCatherine” and “GetWellSoonCatherine” trending. Political leaders, celebrities, and cancer survivors expressed their support. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Kate's bravery, and President Joe Biden, along with many others, offered prayers for her full recovery.
King Charles III, also undergoing cancer treatment, praised Kate for her courage in speaking out.
Prince Harry and Meghan, despite their estrangement from the royal family, wished “health and healing for Kate and the family.”
Until Friday, little information had been released about Kate's condition, leading to speculation about her absence from public view.
Her surgery was said to be successful, with a recovery period keeping her from public duties until April.
Recent distrust towards the royals increased after Kate admitted to editing an official photo released for Mother’s Day in the U.K., which was later retracted over concerns of manipulation.
Saturday's newspapers featured sympathetic headlines, and well-wishers expressed their support for Kate at Windsor and Kensington Palace.
It remains unclear when Kate will return to public life, with no expectation for her and William to attend the traditional Easter Sunday service in Windsor.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson stated, “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.”