The King is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did”, Buckingham Palace said following the Princess of Wales’s cancer treatment announcement.
In a video message released on Friday, Kate said she was receiving chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer following recent major abdominal surgery.
“Following their time in hospital together, HM has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks,'” Buckingham Palace said.
The King and Queen said they “will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time”.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have wished the Princess of Wales and her family “health and healing” after she revealed she is undergoing treatment for cancer.
Harry and Meghan said they hoped Kate and her family would be “able to do so privately and in peace”.
The couple released the short statement a few hours after the princess’s medical development was made public.
There has been a flood of messages of support for the Princess of Wales from across the world.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Kate’s “tremendous bravery” after she revealed she was in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy following mounting speculation about her health.
He said the royal has “the love and support of the whole country” and called for her to be given privacy as she continues treatment, criticising the “intense scrutiny” she has been subjected to in recent weeks.
In a statement released shortly after Kate’s announcement, the PM said: “My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales, the royal family and in particular her three children at this difficult time. The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery.
“She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today. In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media.
“When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.
“I know I speak for the whole country in wishing her a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back in action when she’s ready.”
I'm deeply saddened to hear the news about the Princess of Wales/Duchess of Rothesay. I am praying for her swift recovery.
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) March 22, 2024
It must be an incredibly difficult time for the whole family.
Royalty or otherwise, she has a right to privacy, which I hope will be respected. https://t.co/vNzNH1X8JF
First Minister Humza Yousaf said he was “deeply saddened” by the news about the Duchess of Rothesay, her title in Scotland.
“I am praying for her swift recovery,” he said.
“It must be an incredibly difficult time for the whole family.
“Royalty or otherwise, she has a right to privacy, which I hope will be respected.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the princess has “the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too” during this “distressing time”.
The Labour leader also condemned “lurid speculation” that has surrounded her condition saying: “Any cancer diagnosis is shocking. But I can only imagine the added stress of receiving that news amid the lurid speculation we’ve seen in recent weeks.
“Their Royal Highnesses are entitled to privacy and, like any parents, will have waited to choose the right moment to tell their children.
“I am heartened by The Princess of Wales’ optimistic tone and her message of faith and hope. Her Royal Highness will be in our thoughts and prayers as she progresses through her treatment with the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too.”
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle sent well wishes on behalf of the House and said Kate’s candour would make a difference to others facing their own battle against cancer.
He said in a statement: “The Princess of Wales has been incredibly brave in revealing her cancer diagnosis and I am sure her candour will make such a difference to all those facing this dreadful disease.
“On behalf of the House of Commons, I would like to send my best wishes to Catherine and her family and hope she will be back to full health very soon.”
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: “We all know the suffering and distress that a cancer diagnosis brings to individuals, their families and friends.
“I wish Kate well in her battle, and have no doubt that her words will be of comfort and support to others facing their own.”
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