The Prince and Princess of Wales have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and well wishes following the shocking announcement that Kate Middleton has been diagnosed with cancer.
In a statement released by Kensington Palace on Saturday, the royal couple said they were "enormously touched" by the kind messages they have received from people in the U.K., across the Commonwealth, and around the world.
"They are extremely moved by the public's warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time," the statement continued, emphasizing the royal couple's need for time, space, and privacy as Kate undergoes treatment.
The Princess of Wales, 42, revealed in a heartfelt video released on Friday that she is in the early stages of chemotherapy following abdominal surgery in January. "It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I've had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful," she said in the video.
Kate also expressed her appreciation for the love and support she has received from her husband, Prince William, 41, and the public at large. "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," she added.
On Sunday, the royal couple was seen for the first time since the announcement, boarding a helicopter near their home in Windsor. It is believed they were heading to their Anmer Hall residence in Norfolk, where they are expected to spend the Easter school holidays with their children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.
The Royal Family is expected to rally around the Princess of Wales during this challenging time, with King Charles III, who is also battling cancer, expressing his pride in his daughter-in-law's courage. A royal source said, "The King has been keeping in touch with the Princess of Wales from the moment she was admitted to hospital in January and throughout her current cancer treatment. He is utterly determined to put on a show of unity for his family and reassure the public and wider world the monarchy is stable, despite the current tumultuous period."
Charles, 75, aims to lead the family in a show of unity on Easter Sunday at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, reassuring the public amid these incredibly testing times for the royals. The monarch has also recorded an Easter message of hope, to be broadcast on Maundy Thursday at Worcester Cathedral.
Kate's cancer diagnosis follows King Charles' own cancer revelation in February, shortly after her abdominal surgery. The monarch has reduced his duties and public appearances while undergoing weekly treatment for cancer, which was discovered after he was admitted to hospital in January due to an enlarged prostate.
The Princess of Wales' video message has been seen as a message of hope for those battling the disease, as she spoke stoically and urged others not to lose faith or hope. "For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone," she said.
