Kate Middleton shared her emotions after her cancer diagnosis: speculation intensified

The Princess of Wales is supported from all sides

The Princess of Wales has been “extremely touched” by messages of support following her cancer diagnosis. Kensington Palace says Catherine and Prince William are “extremely touched by the warmth and support from the public.”

The Princess of Wales and her husband, Prince William, have been “extremely touched” by the messages of support they have received since she announced her cancer diagnosis, a Kensington Palace spokesman said.

Katherine revealed on Friday that she is undergoing preventive chemotherapy after tests carried out following her major abdominal surgery in January revealed the presence of cancer.

According to The Guardian, the 42-year-old wife of the heir to the throne called the discovery of cancer “a huge shock.” The news was a new blow to the health of the British royal family: King Charles III is also undergoing treatment for cancer.

Kate’s announcement in a video message filmed at Windsor Castle on Wednesday sparked an outpouring of support from well-wishers.

“The Prince and Princess have both been extremely touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’s message,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday. “They are extremely touched by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for their understanding of their request for privacy at this time.”

It is unknown how long Kate will undergo treatment, but it is understood that the wife of the heir to the British throne may want to attend events as she feels able, in accordance with doctor’s recommendations, although this will not mean a return to full-time duties.

Prince William will continue to balance supporting his wife and family with his official duties, as he did after her surgery.

The Crown Prince is due to return to public duties after his children return to school after the Easter holidays. He and his wife will not attend the royal family’s traditional Easter Sunday service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, which the king hopes to attend with the queen if his health allows.

According to The Telegraph, it is unlikely to be a large family gathering or service as King Charles III has suspended royal duties to the public.

The palace said Catherine began chemotherapy at the end of February. It is understood that her public announcement of this news was timed to coincide with the children finishing school for the Easter holidays, The Guardian notes.

The palace said Catherine wished to provide updated medical information to end speculation following her admission to a London clinic on January 16 for major abdominal surgery. At the time, the palace refused to confirm what Catherine was being treated for, but said the illness was not cancerous.

Speculation only intensified when the first official photo of the Princess of Wales to be released following her surgery was withdrawn by some of the world’s biggest photo agencies earlier this month over claims she had been manipulated.